A project is currently underway to bring a bit of culture to the Raccoon River Valley Trail.

“Shadow of the Rails” is a cooperative project that was started by the City of Waukee, and it involves putting pieces of art all around the trail. Perry City Administrator Sven Peterson says the Waukee project is in progress, and portions of it will be replicated in other communities. The ultimate goal is to have a piece in every community on the trail, and tie the whole trail and every community together with a common art theme.

Peterson says the “Shadow of the Rails” project is a natural fit for Perry, which already has an established artistic community. “I think this is going to be a great addition to all of the other public art in town, and public art that Art on the Prairie is working on right now. It should really just kind of turn into a really great art community. I’m really excited.”

Perry, along with other communities along the Raccoon River Valley Trail, is currently working on raising funds to pay for their piece of the project. Peterson believes the art will be another good way to attract people to the trail.