Major grant enables construction to begin on hospital walking trail

Trenton, Mo. — Construction will begin next week on the Wright Memorial Hospital Walking Trail, thanks to the receipt of a $100,000.00 federal grant.  The Wright Memorial Hospital Foundation, sponsors of the walking trail and memorial garden, has been notified of the award of a $100,000 grant from the State of Missouri Recreational Trails Program. The grant is to be used for the construction of the walking trail project around the Wright Memorial Hospital campus. The grant dollars are administered by the Federal Highway Administration and are managed by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Missouri State Parks.

The Wright Memorial Hospital Foundation submitted the application in early February 2013. The concrete-based, half-mile trail will be utilized by hospital employees, visitors, patients, and the local community. To date, more than $140,000 has been raised by hospital employees, Trenton residents, and surrounding communities.

“This is an historic moment for the hospital and this region,” Matt Osterthun, Wright Memorial Hospital Foundation development officer, said. “Without the initial support from the hospital employees and community, this grant wouldn’t be possible. It will allow the $140,000 that has already been raised to go much further for this important addition to our hospital and community.”

The Foundation is one of 14 recipients of the grant program in the state of Missouri, which totaled approximately $1.2 million awarded. Applicants were required to complete the 20-page grant application with evidence that matching funds by the organization were available.

“There are hundreds of people responsible for this achievement,” Osterthun said. “Whether you donated to the project, bought a brick, ran in the Wright Run, or wrote a letter of recommendation to show your support, we are so thankful for what the citizens of this region have done to make this happen.”
Work is set to begin on the trail as early as Oct. 16. Lighting, sitting areas, and other aesthetics will be implemented in the spring of 2014.

“Missouri’s trails were recently named best in the nation because of the diversity of our trail system and work that has been accomplished to maintain and develop these important resources,” Missouri Governor Jay Nixon said.  “These grants will provide the opportunity to continue these efforts and to allow even more Missourians to enjoy their many benefits.  I commend the work of the Wright Memorial Hospital Foundation and its supporters in making this project a reality.”

Sponsorships for bricks, tiles, benches, trees, and sitting areas continue to be available as construction begins. Those interested in legacy opportunities can contact Matt Osterthun at 660-358-5706 for more information.