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The community is invited to celebrate the grand opening of the Emerson Bridge and Ann C. Keyser Trailhead on Saturday, August 22, marking an exciting new chapter for Marshalltown's Linn Creek District and an official end-of-summer celebration.
A ribbon cutting will take place from 5-5:30 PM at the Ann C. Keyser Trailhead, 802 3rd-6th St. Following the ceremony, the community is invited to cross the Emerson Bridge and continue the celebration at neighboring Linn Creek District businesses officially accessible by trail.
"The Ann C. Keyser Trailhead and Emerson Bridge create an important connection for our trail system and give residents and visitors another way to experience Linn Creek," said Kelsie Stafford, Director of Marshalltown Parks and Recreation. "As we continue to expand recreational opportunities throughout Marshalltown, projects like these help connect people not only to our trails, but to the destinations and experiences that make our community special."
More than a way to cross Linn Creek, the Emerson Bridge creates a colorful new connection within the district. Its distinctive artistic design transforms a piece of public infrastructure into a destination of its own, reflecting Marshalltown's continued investment in public art, recreation and vibrant community spaces.
The neighboring Ann C. Keyser Trailhead provides a welcoming entry point to Marshalltown's growing trail system, strengthens connections between the trail, Linn Creek and nearby destinations, and serves as the official trailhead for the Iowa River's Edge Trail.
Together, the projects create a new gateway to the Linn Creek District and represent the next milestone in a broader reimagining of the area as a destination for recreation, arts, culture and community connection.
That transformation is taking shape throughout 2026. The Apgar Family Water Plaza opened earlier this summer, bringing a new place for play, gathering and connection to Linn Creek. The Emerson Bridge and Ann C. Keyser Trailhead further connect people and destinations throughout the district, while the Martha-Ellen Tye Playhouse, set to open later this fall, will add another cornerstone for arts, entertainment and community experiences.
Individually, each project brings something new to Marshalltown. Together, they are creating a more connected Linn Creek District -- one where residents and visitors can play, explore, experience the arts, gather with friends and family, and discover more of the community.
"The transformation happening throughout the Linn Creek District is the result of years of dreaming, collaboration and an incredible amount of generosity," said Amber Danielson, Executive Director of the Arts + Culture Alliance. "We are deeply grateful to the donors and partners who believed in this vision and invested in what was possible. Their generosity is creating places where people can connect, experience creativity and make memories for generations to come. The Emerson Bridge and Ann C. Keyser Trailhead are another beautiful example of what we can accomplish when our community comes together."
Following the ribbon cutting, the celebration will continue throughout the district:
• Wayward Social will offer live music from 5-10 PM with complimentary appetizers while supplies last. Bon Jecci from 5-6:30 PM and Austin Chadderdon from 7-10 PM.
• The American Legion Memorial Golf Course will offer $1 off beverages of your choice from 5:30-8 p.m.
EVENT DETAILS
• What: Emerson Bridge & Ann C. Keyser Trailhead Grand Opening
• When: Saturday, August 22, 5-5:30 p.m.
• Where: Ann C. Keyser Trailhead, 802 3rd-6th St., Marshalltown
The grand opening is presented in partnership with City of Marshalltown, Arts + Culture Alliance and the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce.