The 2025 Official Rules are now available, along with updated resources for teams, faculty advisors, and hosts!

The Skunk River Water Trail winds lazily through a peaceful corner of Story County, Iowa. It’s a popular spot for paddlers to enjoy a day on the water, admiring the wildflowers, aquatic wildlife, and birds like Eastern Bluebirds and Wood Ducks.

The River Trail is part of Peterson Park, and officials want to add a bridge over the River Trail to better connect the park’s walking trails. This won’t be the first bridge over the Skunk River; the remains of abutments on its shores tell the story of a long history of human activity. Local Native Americans used it as a hunting and fishing ground; more recently, it has powered a mill.

This will, however, be the first bridge designed to enhance its surroundings, with particular emphasis on protecting the local flora and fauna.

Officials have chosen a site with a sandbar that forms an island in the middle of (and parallel to) the river. The island, which is a haven for local wildlife, is strictly off-limits for people or construction. Skunk County Conservation will, however, allow barges in the river during construction (at added cost).

Story County Conservation requests that designers use steel to take full advantage of the material’s design versatility, ease of prefabrication, ability to rapidly erect, superior strength-to-weight ratio, durability, and high level of recycled content.

Are you up for the challenge?

The 20 regional competitions will take place in spring 2025, and the top performing teams will gather at Iowa State University for the national finals on May 30-31, 2025.