The city of West Des Moines has launched a capital campaign to raise $3 million in private donations for a pedestrian bridge that will span the Raccoon River, connecting Raccoon River Park and Walnut Woods State Park. West Des Moines Mayor Russ Trimble recently announced that the bridge, designed by Shive-Hattery, will be called the Athene Pedestrian Bridge. Athene USA, which has an office building in West Des Moines, donated $750,000 to the project. To date, over $2.4 million has been raised for the $7.9 million project. MidAmerican Energy Co. and Polk County have made donations to the project, as have 80 other donors. Federal grants have also been received for the project, including Community Projects funding. “Everyone that sees the plans gets excited about the bridge’s appearance and the connections it will make,” Sally Ortgies, West Des Moines’ parks and recreation director, said in a prepared statement. “I look forward to quickly reaching our fundraising goal so construction can begin in early 2023.” For information on how to donate to the project, click here. Rendering special to the Business Record