Sidewalk Construction Underway!

More than five years ago, a survey of Essex residents showed that sidewalk conditions were a major concern.  Today, the Essex Community Club is close to completing a safe path to school, work and overall enjoyment!

Dana Wenstrand and Dave Jauron started the project by observing the state of each sidewalk in town.  They found that 37% needed repair and 59% were non-existent.  Charlie Hendrickson was hired to replace a small area near the post office on Iowa Avenue in 2015.  Then, the ECC membership voted to continue the plan on a larger scale. 

With the help of ECC Executive Director, Melissa Chambers, Candice Liljedahl chaired the project as it was decided to focus on the southwest part of Essex.  The path from the south side of Omaha Avenue to the west side of Denison Street was chosen to create a walkway from the school to Anderson Park and downtown.  Ramps have also been added to provide handicap accessibility and general ease of use.

Residents applied for grand applications and completed city permits to participate in the program.  Close to $18,000 will be invested into the project including the 2015 phase.  ECC has already received generous donations through fundraising efforts.  We are well on our way to our goal of $10,000!  Donors can purchase sidewalk "squares" for $100, but any amount is welcome.

Your tax-deductible donation is payable to:
Essex Community Endowment Fund (Memo: Sidewalk Project)
P.O. Box 334
Essex, IA 51638

Thank you to the following donors to date:

Bank Iowa
John & Lucy Bengston
Rena Bowman
CP Self Storage
Farmers Telephone Company
First Presbyterian Church
Bill & Tish Glasgo
Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home
Russ Hilker
Darwin & Belinda Holmes
John's Heating and A/C Services, LLC
Brian & Laura Kirchert
Dennis & Diane Liljedahl
Liljedahl Farms, Inc.
Main Street Storage / David & Donna Jauron
John and Kerry McBride
Jason & Lisa Nelson
David & Amy Rydberg
Joey & Amy Samuelson
Peter & Dana Wenstrand
​Jolene & Brent Younggren