The Friends of the River District group will hold its first annual meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Eagles Club, 1205 Lake St., Merrill. Members and guests will hear an update about The River Bend Trail from Center Avenue to Council Grounds State Park. Fund raising is underway to purchase Canadian National rail bed property for the trail.
Friends of the River District is a non-profit, volunteer organization whose purpose is to promote development along Merrill’s river corridors. Participation is through membership at four levels. Its mission is to provide resources so the community can enjoy the Wisconsin and Prairie river corridors. It is not a fund raising organization. Members seek to provide leadership, a method for people to participate in projects, and work cooperatively with government and others in project planning and implementation.
The River District Development Foundation of Merrill board of directors will share updates on the development of and capital campaign for The River Bend Trail. A slide program will provide basic information, and speakers will report on the status and schedule of the project. City officials will be attending. The meeting will conclude with a panel discussion to answer questions. A social reception will follow.
Information about Friends of the River District is available at www.riverdistrictfoundationofmerrill.com. Visitors will also find information about the capital campaign and how to make a tax-deductible donation. To speak to someone about the group, contact Debbe Kinsey at the Merrill Chamber of Commerce Foundation at 715-536-9474.