The Historic Pella Trust recently received a $4,500 grant from the 3M Foundation to help fund the Tuttle Learning Walk project. 3M was also an earlier contributor with a $5,000 grant towards the design and planning stage in 2019. The brick walkway for this educational path has been installed and a steady flow of walkers has been enjoying the new route from Lincoln Street to Sunken Garden.

In addition, the Trust would like to recognize the Pella Community Foundation for its grant of $2,500 towards a matching brick pathway leading to the entrance of the Tuttle Cabin.

Executive Director Jennifer Van Kooten says an upcoming construction phase will take place this fall with landscaping using historic plants, trees and shrubs along the learning walk, and a third phase will include installation informational signs that share the history of this area’s early settlers, events, businesses and of course the arrival of the Dutch.

Two memorial stone benches will be placed along the walkway, and those interested in supporting those should contact Historic Pella Trust.

The Tuttle Learning Walk begins at 608 Lincoln Street and connects to Sunken Garden Park, and is a joint project between the Historic Pella Trust and the City of Pella. The Trust is funding the cost of the walk while the city will own and maintain the trail. Those interested in donating to this worthwhile project are invited to do so online at https://historicpellatrust.org/learning-walkway/ or mail to Historic Pella Trust, Box 1, Pella, Iowa 50219