LAURENS – A $74,440 state grant has been awarded to help pay for creating a new trail connection in Laurens.

The planned Prairie Park Trail will connect two existing paths: Sportsman’s Park Trail and the Prairie Preservation Trail.

The money comes from the Resource Enhancement and Protection program of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. It was awarded to the Laurens Hometown Pride Committee and the city government.

”We are thrilled to receive the REAP grant award,” said City Manager Barb Smith. ”This project will benefit the community by allowing users of the Prairie Preservation Trail to access the Sportsman’s Park Trail and make a longer more attractive trail system for the community, which will encourage exercise and recreation in outdoor spaces.”