News Flash

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JUNE 9, 2025 

Construction Begins on Ann C. Keyser Trailhead and Emerson Bridge

MARSHALLTOWN, IA – The City of Marshalltown, Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce, and Arts + Culture Alliance are excited to announce the start of construction on the highly anticipated Ann C. Keyser Trailhead and Emerson Bridge projects in the Linn Creek District. To accommodate this work safely and efficiently, temporary construction fencing will be erected starting Tuesday, June 10^th, 2025.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• A portion of the 6^th St Marshalltown Softball Complex and Marshalltown Football League parking lot will be within the construction area that will be fenced off and not open to the public. Overflow parking is available under the 3^rd/6^th St viaduct west of the Aquatic Center (accessible from Player St) and when events allow, at the Marshalltown Little League complex off 12^th St.
• The Linn Creek Greenbelt Trail will remain open as much as possible during the first portion of construction but at some point, will be temporarily rerouted to exit the area near Mega 10 Park and rerouted underneath the viaduct on Player/Washington Street. Watch for on-site signage and future communication from us.
• The Marshalltown Skate Park will remain open and accessible throughout construction; however, users are urged to take caution accessing the area from the north along the Linn Creek Greenbelt Trail.

• The Graffiti Wall has long been a canvas for the Marshalltown community — a place where residents have expressed themselves through art, reflection, and creativity. Over the years, it became more than just a wall; it was a space for healing after natural disasters, a platform for solidarity during times of tragedy, and a colorful celebration of holidays, milestones, and everyday inspiration. As construction begins on the new Ann C. Keyser Trailhead and Emerson Bridge, the wall will be removed to make way for progress — but its spirit will live on. Community leaders are actively exploring opportunities to establish a new graffiti wall in another accessible location, ensuring that this unique form of community expression continues to have a home in Marshalltown.

WHAT TO GET EXCITED FOR:

• A new Pedestrian Bridge connecting the newly installed 6^th St Trail from the Freedom Rock to a new Trailhead and the Linn Creek Greenbelt Trail.
• Large Picnic Shelter
• Small Picnic Shelter serving Stake Park users
• Trailhead serving the Linn Creek Greenbelt Trail, the 6^th St Freedom Rock Trail, and Iowa River’s Edge Trails including Parking, Bike Maintenance Facilities, and Restroom.

The project is expected to be completed Spring of 2026. Stay up to date on this project and others by following the City of Marshalltown and Marshalltown Parks and Recreation Department communication channels. Learn more about the transformation of the Linn Creek District here: https://www.marshalltown-ia.gov/673/Re-Imagining-the-Linn-Creek-District