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AFTON - A new place to play in Union County made its debut Saturday.
Union County Conservation Board held the grand opening of the Paul and Becky Kelley Family Natural Wilderness Area, located 2 miles west of Afton. The main entrance is at the corner of U.S. Highway 34 and old Highway 34. The park’s address is 2274 Highway 34.
Paul and Becky Kelley are Union County natives as Becky explained they have had an interest in creating another park for the county. Paul passed two years ago. Becky said the time was right for the county to acquire the land and have the 155 acres developed it into a park.
Union County Conservation Director Doug Jones said the land was originally deeded to the Iowa National Heritage Foundation last November. Earlier this year, it was deeded to Union County.
Jones said the plans for the park are to build a trail and and a bridge over 12 Mile Creek which flows through the property. Development also includes a restroom in the parking lot area. There are no definite schedules for any of the amenity additions. The area is still in its natural state which includes river bottom land and plenty of trees.
Becky’s husband Paul passed away in September 2021. Becky said the wilderness area is Paul’s legacy “to share, enjoy and educate all the future generations in southern Iowa.”