West Des Moines plans bridge between Raccoon River Park and Walnut Woods

(West Des Moines, IA) -- Plans are in the works for a pedestrian bridge connecting Raccoon River Park and Walnut Woods State Park. West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Director Sally Ortigies says the city now has 65 miles of trail in Des Moines, most on the north side of the Raccoon River. A bridge connecting the to areas will open up a new larger area for recreation.

The total cost is estimated at $6.8 million dollars, with a goal of $3 million from private donations.

Ortigies says it's hoped construction could begin early next year.

She says on the Racoon River side of the bridge there will be a plaza including a donor wall, and the center of the bridge, there's a look-out point. She says there's a stainless steel tree canopy overlook at the mid-point of the bridge.