A Living Memorial

When Paul Skeffington, a popular DeWitt businessman, died in January 1988, his family asked the local Chamber of Commerce to help find a way to honor him. They chose a foot race. The first event on June 11, 1988, drew 330 participants. What was meant to be a one-year memorial became a 38-year tradition — and a funding engine for community projects, most notably the trail that now bears his name.↗↗

Marge Fuglsang, Paul Skeffington's daughter, has spoken about how the race's proceeds built the Silver Creek bridge, the trail itself, and local scholarships. The final Skeffington Memorial Race took place in June 2025, but a new event called "Miles of Meaning" now carries forward the family's original vision of funding health and wellness projects for the community.↗↗

The Trail Experience

Stretching approximately 5 miles from Springbrook Country Club in the north to Westbrook Park in the south, the trail follows a corridor of shade and water. A concrete pedestrian bridge carries users over Silver Creek — a small, quiet stream that winds through the park's natural timber area. The 10-foot-wide path is smooth asphalt, comfortable enough for families with strollers or wheelchair users.↗↗

Along the route you'll find a butterfly garden maintained by the DeWitt Noon Lions Club, open meadow sections, and the park's mature woodland. In the southern portion, outdoor workout stations offer free-use exercise equipment for those who want to mix a fitness circuit into their walk or ride.↗↗

Westbrook Park at the Trail's Heart

The trail's most rewarding destination is Westbrook Park, DeWitt's largest green space at 100 acres, originally developed in 1968. Beyond the multi-use path, the park offers five picnic shelters, four baseball and softball diamonds, three playground areas, an 18-hole disc golf course, a dog park, and a separate 6.5-mile mountain bike trail network built entirely by volunteers. A concession stand and public restrooms serve day-trippers.↗

Growing Connections

The trail system continues to expand. In 2023, the city approved engineering for a new extension funded through Iowa's Transportation Alternatives Program, targeting a section near 11th Street and Westwood Drive to improve pedestrian safety in a fast-growing residential and commercial area. By 2026, a more ambitious project — the Bitterroot Trail Loop — was under development, extending the Skeffington trail along the Union Pacific Railroad corridor and connecting to the new Campbell Family Subdivision to complete a loop.↗↗

Planning Your Visit

The best parking access is at Westbrook Park, located off 11th Street on the west side of DeWitt, which sits along US 61 in Clinton County in eastern Iowa. Trail entrances are spread along the route: the north end begins near Springbrook Country Club at 225th Street, and the south end connects to Westbrook Park's main parking lot behind Kriegers of DeWitt at 2113 11th Street.↗↗

The trail is free to use and open year-round, though fall colors along Silver Creek and the park timber are particularly photogenic. Spring and early summer bring the butterfly garden to life. DeWitt is a small, welcoming community — the trail feels like a shared neighborhood amenity rather than a tourist attraction, which is part of its charm.↗