Merrill Firefighters Charities recently presented a check for $1,000 to assist in Phase 1 of the River Bend Trail project. The River Bend Trail is the new name of the three-phase trail plan of the River District Development Foundation of Merrill. Plans are currently underway to establish a recreational trail that will connect the downtown area west to the MARC and Council Grounds State Park. The trail’s length is approximately 2.5 miles long, extending westward following the Wisconsin River. A map and plan of phase 1 of the project can be obtained at the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce located at 705 N. Center Ave. and are available in the Visitors Center foyer which is open 24/7. On-line donations or more information is available on-line at www.riverdistrictfoundationofmerrill.com
The monies donated for this project were raised by the Merrill Firefighters last August at Ott’s Park from the 33rd Annual Allan Soward Memorial Softball tournament. In the past, the Merrill Firefighters have donated over $300,000 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association from the proceeds raised through this event and others.
The Firefighters have established their own charity and will still donate to the MDA but a portion of the proceeds will be used locally to help local charities within the Merrill area as well. All future fundraising events sponsored by the Merrill Firefighter Charities will continue to benefit local project and needy organizations. The Firefighters in Merrill would like to thank all those who have sponsored or participated in any of their past fundraisers in an effort to help those in need.
The Merrill Firefighters see this project as one that could help improve the fitness level of the community and its visitors, thus making the project a very worthwhile effort in regard to the well-being of the residents they are committed to protect.