An historic 1915 pony truss bridge that once spanned the Winnebago River as a footbridge, the Yellow Bridge has been out of service since 2015. For the past decade, it has awaited its chance for restoration and now, the chance is here!
This is our moment to save a treasured piece of Forest City’s history and invest in its future. Together, we can bring the Yellow Bridge back to its rightful place, where it can be enjoyed for generations to come. Please consider making a contribution today. Every dollar brings us closer to our goal.
Donate Today!
Fundraising Goal
With major contributions from the Hanson Family Foundation, REAP, RAGBRAI Forest City, and Winnebago Industries Foundation, we’ve secured $353,000 - over 86% of the $407,000 needed to restore this beloved landmark. However, we need your help to raise the final $54,000 by Jan 1, 2026, to bring the bridge back to life.
Project Scope
The Forest City Enhancement Committee, a community based non-profit, has been tirelessly working for two years to make the Yellow Bridge Restoration and the Tim Coffey Trails Network a reality. Phase A of this project focuses on the bridge and includes:
- New structural foundation
- Essential repairs for safety and longevity
- A fresh coat of paint to preserve its charm
- A widened deck for better accessibility
- Updated railings for safety
Donate Today!
Forest City Enhancement Committee
The Forest City Enhancement Committee was formed in August of 2019 to develop trail projects in the Forest City Community. The Forest City Enhancement Committee is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, making your donation tax-deductible.In 2021, the Korth Nature Trail was built near Hy-Vee through the efforts of this committee. The project was over a half mile and took $225,000 to build.
Committee Members
Scott Meinders, PresidentAaron Korth, Vice President
Linsey Current, Treasurer
Dustin Buck
Shaun Thompson
Missy & Tony Reynolds
Todd Espeland Jim Kieffer
Project Timeline
Fall 2023 — Begin Grant Requests Feb-Dec 2024 — Preliminary Engineering Feb 2025 - Mar 2026 — Public Fundraising Campaign 2026 — Bridge Construction 2027 — Open to PublicDonor Information
All donors will be recognized on a donor board placed near the bridge. Donors giving $5,000 or more will be recognized with a personalized donor plate on the bridge part matching their donor level (see diagram below). Donors may choose content for the donor plate, e.g. business name, person’s name, memorial, or any other creative idea. Support from donors will also be recognized through our Facebook page.
Please make checks payable to: Forest City Enhancement Committee
Mail to: Linsey Current, 305 S 4TH ST, Forest City, IA 50436
Project Contact: Scott Meinders | 515.341.2190 | scottmeinders@gmail.com
