Jim Sanders, City Manager for the City of Johnston was the guest speaker at the club on October 31st. Jim is a very familiar face to many of us due to his annual visits to Rotary where he brings us up to date on the happening in the City of Johnston. This time around Jim was able to talk about the end to a couple of very large and important projects for the city. The bridge over the Des Moines River on NW 66th is nearing completion. Delayed by weather and other construction delays, this new bridge is a vital improvement for the city. It will greatly improve the congested traffic conditions in that area due to the soccer fields and commuter traffic over the river. It will also include the long awaited bike trail connection between the City of Johnston and the Neal Smith Trail network. Also the improvements to NW Beaver Drive are wrapping up and while later than hoped, they will at least be done before the weather turns bad. The further trail expansion on NW Beaver is finished for this year but next year it will continue to the east from Hyperion toward the new river bridge. Another massive project for the city is also about to be complete. Terra Park and all of it components are coming together. The fishing pier, trail connections and public structures are done. Now, the new play equipment featuring an outdoor explorer theme is being installed and soon will be ready for enjoyment. Other finishing touches are planned for the spring and then the city will begin a process to look at its other outdated parks and as funds are available , begin some long overdue improvements. Greatly needed structural improvements to the area east of Merle Hay continue and the city looks to stimulate economic development along the Merle Hay corridor and throughout Johnston. A busy time in Johnston for sure.