June 3, 2026, Wicks Construction’s 2024 bike path paving project in Badger, Iowa marked a major investment in the community’s trail system, delivering smoother, safer, and more durable paths for cyclists, runners, and families. The project was strengthened by a key partnership with Cemstone Concrete Materials, LLC, which supplied over 5,000 cubic yards of ready‑mixed concrete for The Prairie Trail. Together, the two companies helped enhance one of the region’s most valued recreational assets, supporting Badger’s commitment to active living and long‑term infrastructure quality.

The Prairie Trail connects the city of Badger to Fort Dodge. With just over 5 miles of paved concrete, it makes for an ideal trail for cyclists, runners and families. Using concrete to pave this trail provides a lot of benefits that make this project that much more meaningful to the community.

Safety – Better nighttime visibility with the reflective and bright surface increases safety on the trail. It also provides excellent riding surface for all weather conditions so cyclists and runners can trust they will be safe along the trail.

Sustainability – Not only does the concrete pavement highly-reflective surface increase safety, it also reduces the heat island effect. The concrete was produced using recycled materials which lowered the embodied cardon of the pavement.

Maintenance/Resilience – Concrete Paving is low in maintenance costs and eliminates rutting and shoving. Concrete lasts up to 20 years longer without the need for resurfacing, patching or surface sealing. This increased durability and longer life span make for a more resilient product for projects like this bike trail.

Drainage – Choosing to use concrete for paving, you eliminate the potential for low spots and ponding which is extremely important when thinking of the safety of your cyclists and families along the bike trail.