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Trail volunteers outline accomplishments and a $300,000 fundraising push for next 4 miles
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Summary
The volunteer Andover‑Augusta Rail Trail Initiative reported donations, volunteer hours and trail‑use counts for 2025, outlined planned work for 2026 and launched a forward campaign to raise $300,000 to complete the next four miles of the Redbud Trail.
A volunteer group that supports the Redbud Trail told the council about its 2025 accomplishments and its fundraising goal to extend the trail.
The presenter (introduced as Kim Austin) said the Andover‑Augusta Rail Trail Initiative (ARTIE), a 501(c)(3), used a City of Andover community grant in 2025 to update its website, produce brochures and purchase limestone material for resurfacing. ARTIE also acquired automated trail‑counting equipment under a Sunflower Foundation grant and noted the annual subscription that accompanies that equipment.
Presenter cited 2025 metrics: 183 donors (up 76%), social‑media followers of about 3,300, more than 566,000 trail views (up 301%), and volunteers logging more than 2,000 hours. ARTIE announced a forward campaign intending to raise $300,000 to complete the next four miles and expected to finish a 0.6‑mile segment near Santa Fe Lake Road in the coming months.
Councilmembers asked about the city's in‑kind support and a small community grant; staff noted the city had awarded what the group applied for and staff can look at time sheets to estimate hours contributed by city employees for maintenance days. Earlier city funding and a $250,000 contribution toward the bridge were referenced during discussion.
Next steps: ARTIE will continue fundraising and scheduled public events; staff will follow up to provide additional information about city in‑kind support if requested.
