Waukee Trailhead Art

Discover the Waukee Railroad Pergola, a central feature of an ambitious project to transform the 89-mile Raccoon River Valley Trail Corridor into a renowned destination for visitors nationwide.

Waukee Trailhead Art

Waukee Railroad Pergola: Trailhead Gateway and Regional Vision

Discover the Waukee Railroad Pergola, a central feature of an ambitious project to transform the 89-mile Raccoon River Valley Trail Corridor into a renowned destination for visitors nationwide. This initiative is more than just a trail; it's a journey through history and community. Key to this vision is the creation of unique, themed public art installations across various trail towns and entry points. These artistic pieces serve a dual purpose: they beautify the trail and establish a cohesive brand for the Corridor and its 14 vibrant communities.At the heart of our theme, "In the Shadow of the Rails," is a deep connection to the region's rich railroad heritage. This concept not only pays homage to the past but also symbolizes the trail's evolution. Once a path laid for trains, it now serves as a scenic route that threads together the history, culture, and spirit of the communities it passes through. The Waukee Railroad Pergola is not just a physical landmark; it's a celebration of the enduring legacy and rejuvenation of commerce and connectivity within these towns. Join us on this trail, where every step is a step through history.

Waukee Railroad Pergola Project OverviewTimeline and Execution:
- Planning & Design: Initiated in April 2013.
- Construction Completion: Achieved in March 2018.Design and Construction:
- Architects: RDG Dahlquist Art Studio, Des Moines, IA.
- Total Project Cost: $1.12 million, encompassing trailhead parking and site enhancements.Funding:
- Sources: A combination of private, corporate, and public donations and grants.
- Partnerships: Collaborative effort with the City of Waukee and the Waukee Betterment Foundation.Design Concept:
- Theme: "In the Shadow of the Rails," incorporating elements of railroad and train imagery, including specific dimensions and colors.Key Artistic Features:
1. Pergola:
- Structure: Composed of 32 columns, each 13 feet tall, adorned with artistic ceramic tiles.
- Dimensions: Forms a pergola 15 feet high and 350 feet long.
- Materials: Overhead steel beams and stylized rails.
- Lighting: Equipped with LED night lighting.2. Shade & Solar Power Structure:
- Structure: Consists of eight 13-foot tall columns wrapped in artistic ceramic tiles.
- Solar Integration: Nine solar panels mounted on an overhead steel structure, providing power to the site.3. Streetside Bollards:
- Structure: Features 16 columns, each seven feet tall and wrapped in artistic ceramic tiles.
- Lighting: Embedded with LED night lighting.4. Ceramic Tiles:
- Quantity: A total of 5,816 handcrafted ceramic tiles.
- Production: Required 29 tons of clay, 113 gallons of glaze.
- Teamwork: Created by 12 craftspeople over 11 months.
- Installation: Took an additional 550 labor hours to install.This project is a testament to collaborative community effort, blending art and functionality while honoring the region's historical roots in railroad heritage.

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