ROSEBUD — A major local funding initiative was announced Jan. 27 that advances development of the Rock Island Trail State Park through the city of Rosebud, marking an important milestone in community-driven trail development.

During a public meeting at the American Legion Hall in Rosebud, the Rosebud Area Enrichment Association (RAEA) formally announced it will enter into an agreement with Friends of Rock Island Trail State Park (FoRIT) to raise and manage funds dedicated to trail development within the Rosebud area. The initial focus of the effort is funding approximately 1.25 miles of trail through the city of Rosebud, with a broader goal of completing the trail connection from the Soap Creek Bridge to Gerald.

The event drew strong community support, with attendance from local business owners, city aldermen, and State Rep. Bruce Sassmann, underscoring the broad local and regional backing for continued Rock Island Trail development.

Under the agreement, FoRIT will serve as the fiscal sponsor and stewardship partner for funds raised locally, holding donations in restricted accounts through the Community Foundation of the Ozarks and disbursing them exclusively for trail-related development costs once the appropriate agreements with Missouri State Parks are finalized.

Highlighting the kickoff of the initiative was the presentation of a $30,000 check from the East 24 Group plus $6,000 from two supporters from the Greater Rosebud area. These checks were presented to the Rosebud Area Enrichment Association. The funds will be deposited by FoRIT under the new restricted-fund agreement.

Credit for launching the fundraising effort was given to Rosebud Area Enrichment Association, represented by President Angie Clancy and the Rock Island East 24 Group, represented by Linda Trest, for spearheading the initial contribution.

“This agreement represents local groups helping their local community,” said Rick Mihalevich, president of Friends of Rock Island Trail State Park. “Local communities are our heroes. Groups like the East 24 Group and the Rosebud Area Enrichment Association are in the best position to work for what’s best for their community by gathering local support for the Rock Island Trail.”

FoRIT officials emphasized that while the fundraising momentum is encouraging, no trail construction will begin until all necessary agreements are fully executed with Missouri State Parks. FoRIT is currently assisting RAEA in navigating and preparing the required agreements to ensure compliance, transparency, and long-term stewardship.

The announcement marks a strong start to 2026 and reinforces the collaborative approach that has driven progress along the Rock Island Trail State Park corridor combining local leadership, nonprofit stewardship, and public-private partnerships to build a trail that serves both residents and visitors for generations to come.

Looking for more information?

Readers wishing to learn more about the Rosebud Area Enrichment Association’s efforts to build a segment of the Missouri Rock Island Trail are directed to group’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RAEAMO/

To donate to this project, select “Restricted” and “Rosebud to Gerald” https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E352468&id=21

For more information on Friends of Rock Island State Park go to www.rockislandtrail.org

And, for more information on the Rock Island East 24 group, see https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083319578600#