OTTUMWA — Kids and trails. They go hand in hand and both got the Ottumwa City Council’s approval for grant applications.

Council members particularly enjoyed the part about “no matching funds are required from the city” for either project.

Parks and Recreation Director Gene Rathje presented both Resource Enhancement and Protection applications to the council this week.

Rathje said the Wapello County Trails Council is applying for $150,000 for Phase Two of a four-part project to complete an eight-mile loop trail system. The overall project cost is estimated to be $1 million.

“This grant will complete a one-mile section along the existing north levee of the Des Moines River from Iowa Avenue east to the city limits,” Rathje said.

Councilman Gordon Aistrope thanked the trails council and the media for the annual trails fund drive.

“There’s no city requirement for funds. We do appreciate the media effort,” he said.

Mayor Dale Uehling said the city tries to attract younger people and “trails are important.”

“It’s a quality of life issue,” Councilman Keith Caviness said.

Citizen Nancy McGee of Ottumwa asked to speak on the trails item. She wondered if anyone had checked to see if the trails had any effect on the eagles that visit Ottumwa during winter.

The mayor said he was “no authority” but he believed the trails haven’t impacted the eagles. The eagles fish below the dam and don’t seem bothered by people on the trails.

“The eagles want a secluded area when they nest,” Uehling added.

McGee wondered if there would be a lot of people at the rest areas.

Uehling and Rathje said there are future plans for more rest areas so everyone isn’t at the same one at the same time. Ottumwa Rotary Club has already put in park benches along the city’s trails, Uehling added.

Public Works Director Larry Seals said Winger’s built a rest area that has a water fountain and is lighted.