Sarah Williams

Val Mindak, President of the Merrill Rotary Club, presented a donation of $10,000 to spearhead the lighting project to bring the wiring and pole bases to the trail for the River Bend Trail.
“Merrill Rotary Club has been a strong partner for the trail organization and has been instrumental in leading new initiatives to foster the expansion and development of this beautiful trail system for everyone in our community to enjoy,” Mindak said. “We are proud to support major projects that benefit the Merrill community, and this is another example of Rotary’s commitment to our city.”
Rotary had made a $5,000 donation and received a matching foundation grant that will be used for the lighting project of the trail. This generous donation continues to show how Rotary is committed the trail expansion project.
With this electrical infrastructure, associations or individuals can begin donating light poles to light up the trail. The Rotarians are also sponsoring Rotary Park, which will be located at the trailhead on South Park Street and create a beautiful park experience to those that are using this wonderful trail system. The electrical work for this lighting project is being completed by electrician, Steve Strasman. Businesses or individuals that are interested in donating a light pole should contact Gene Bebel with the River Bend Trail organization.