The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) recently awarded a $10,000 South Dakota Fund grant to Oahe Wheelmen Cycling Club. Funding will aid in further developing a multi-use recreation trail for free public use at the West Shore Recreation Area.
"This is a big step to add more outdoor recreation opportunities in our community," said Mike Mueller, President of the Oahe Wheelmen Cycling Club. "The generous grant from the SD Community Foundation helps us expand the trails at the West Shore Recreation Area and make them more accessible by connecting them to the Oahe Downstream Recreation Area. Mountain bikers, hikers, and trail runners will have twice as much trail to enjoy near the Oahe Dam."
The Oahe Wheelmen Cycling Club is dedicated to developing and maintaining a trail system that provides a recreational opportunity that encourages exercise through outdoor activities; and helps to support local economic development to make the community a more attractive place to live and visit. The Club’s mission is to promote the safe use of bicycles for sport, recreation, and transportation for all ages and skill levels of riders and supports bicycling-related events, infrastructure, and facilities for the enjoyment of the general public. Recognizing the need to expand the original hand-built trail, the Club has developed a plan to enhance the current trail system, but also adds nearly 5 miles of new trails.
“The Oahe Wheelmen Cycling Club has created a wonderful multi-use recreation trail system, and we are proud to partner with them on the expansion of the original, hand-built trail." says Ginger Niemann, SDCF Senior Program Officer.
SDCF is a public non-profit organization established in 1987. SDCF, with offices in Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Aberdeen administers 1,200 funds benefiting hundreds of charitable organizations annually. The Foundation distributed nearly $31 million in grants in 2023 which made a tremendous difference in communities statewide. This would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors. If you have a specific cause you would like to support or would prefer to give for the general good of our state, please visit https://sdcommunityfoundation.org/giving to learn more or call 1-800-888-1842.