Groundbreaking for the Rock Island Trail in Gerald is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 26, at noon. The first scoop of dirt will be removed in front of the Bistro at the Mill. Visitors can watch the official beginning of the new trail from inside the Bistro if they choose. Speakers and dignitaries will make presentations inside the Bistro.

This first mile of trail in the eastern section of the Rock Island Trail will be a feather in the cap of Gerald. Not only is it the first mile to be completed, it is also unique in another way. This section is being built completely through private and community donations of cash, labor, equipment and professional services.

This is the result of an almost two year process involving Missouri State Parks, Friends of the Rock Island Trail State Park, Rock Island Trail East 24 (E24), the City of Gerald, State Representatives, private businesses and individuals.

The E24 group was formed as a way to develop a significant length of trail to attract dedicated cyclists to our area. The group remains committed to completing a 24-mile section of trail from Gerald to Belle. This also includes the towns of Rosebud, Owensville and Bland.

While Gerald is not using grant money to build the trail, the other towns are. E24 hopes to help complete the trail between these communities.

The initial one mile section will run from Main Street west to the city limits.