By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — A groundbreaking was held Thursday celebrating the start of work on the Chinworth Bridge Trail extension on Old Road 30 west of the CCAC.
The effort represents the first bricks and mortar project by the Kosciusko County Parks Board since it was established two and a half years ago.
Amy Roe, the county’s community coordinator who oversees the Hooiers Enduring Legacy Program (HELP), worked to arrange funding and support with county officials for the trail extention.
Progress in planning the trail moved slower than what was expected, in part because the newly-assembled board was learning on the go.
They also experienced complications involving drainage issues with the pathway.
“This project, actually, was at the top of the list,” Rowe said, referring to community projects headed up by HELP. “It has been a labor of love. As with all things, you try to figure out how to do it. Even today, I can say we have had more challenges than we have had successes, but I say all the hard things will come at first so that the rest will be easy.”
Niblock is the contractor and will construct the trail beginning in May.
It should be complete by July and organizers asked for patience from motorists and neighbors.
The ten-foot wide asphalt path will extend for eight-tenths of a mile to the west and will include A lighted pedestrian crosswalk.
Aggie Sweeny, vice president of the parks board, noted the milestone.
“Now that we’re two and a half years into being a parks and rec board, we’re done with only doing planning and we’re so excited to have our first project,” Sweeny said.
The parks board has also gained approval of its 5-year plan through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, which will open the door for state grant money.
Officials also announced plans to create a Friends of the Trail program that will support the trails in different ways.
