West Des Moines announces campaign for $7.9 million bridge over Raccoon River

West Des Moines has started raising funds in earnest for the upcoming Athene Pedestrian Bridge.

Set to begin construction in early 2023, the $7.9 million project will enable cyclists and pedestrians to travel across the Raccoon River from Walnut Woods State Park to Raccoon River Park and other trails, a news release from the city said.

Mayor Russ Trimble launched the city's $3 million capital campaign Saturday during the annual Mayor's Bike Ride. Trimble also announced the bridge's namesake, Athene, after the insurance company that contributed $750,000 to the project.

“Everyone that sees the plans gets excited about the bridge’s appearance and the connections it will make," Sally Ortgies, director of Parks and Recreation, said in a statement.

The bridge is part of the city's Five Waters Project, a quality of life initiative that began in 2019 and includes the Raccoon River Park Boathouse, the amphitheater, a renewed effort to protect the greenway around the Raccoon River and other bridge and trail projects.

So far, the city has raised $2.4 million from 80 private donors as well as MidAmerican Energy Company and Polk County, according to the release.

More information on the project and how to donate can be found at the Great Outdoors Foundation's website.

Sarah LeBlanc covers the western suburbs for the Register. Reach her at 515-284-8161 or sleblanc@registermedia.com. Follower her on Twitter at @sarahkayleblanc

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: West Des Moines campaigns for cash for bridge over Raccoon River