Despite rain and cold, grand opening held for Murphy Park Trail and Bridge in Mason City
MASON CITY — Despite the rain and cold, the ribbon was cut this morning as part of the grand opening of a 240-foot pedestrian bridge spanning the Winnebago River that’s the latest addition to the Prairie Rock Trails System in Mason City. The Murphy Park Trail and Bridge connects the area next to the Muse Norris Park and Softball Complex across the river, leading to the Scrip Road Waterfront Trail.
Mayor Bill Schickel says the benefits of the $4 million Prairie Rock Trails System are already being seen in the community. “I was on this bridge just the day before yesterday, and I met a couple, relocated here from Minnesota. They moved here because of the beautiful location, strategic location, and they said unprompted, they called this truly a treasure.”
The Murphy Park land was donated by late industrialist, philanthropist and former Park Board member David Murphy. Murphy’s longtime neighbor John Welch quoted another Park Board member of the past, Ernie Zerble, during the ceremony about Murphy’s legacy. “He was common as an old stick, as good as a man as I’ve ever known. Very inventive, very talented, very generous. He gave so much to Mason City.”
A group of John Adams Middle School Ambassadors rode bikes across the bridge as part of the grand opening.
