Trail Committee Discusses Updates, Projects
Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee met Monday night to discuss several ongoing trail projects, as well as updates on existing projects.
Plans for the Conklin Bay portion of the trail were discussed. Megan McClellan, executive director, said the wetland delineation will cost $4,620.
“We have money for this section but it’s for laying trail,” she said.
The topographical survey and plan set-up will cost $17,896. The total cost for the project is expected to be $122,000. The design is the most expensive part, McClellan said. The design process will take about two and a half months.
The committee voted to start phase one of the Conklin Bay project. McClellan has met with Earth Source and they are eager to begin. She also had the official agreement for the committee.
McClellan met with the Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation, and Visitor Commission March 11. KCCRVC is willing to consider an application for funding part of the planning and design of the Conklin Bay portion. Marsha Carey and McClellan are currently working on the application.
The committee members discussed other funding sources, such as grants, for several other ongoing trails projects. McClellan said she got a $500 donation from a local bike organization, Kosciusko County Velo Cycling Club.
Several trail projects were discussed, such as the Syracuse Lake portion. Initial plans are underway for a “Tails and Trails” event, as a grand opening for this loop, in the spring; a date has not yet been determined.
A ribbon cutting, however, is set for 10:30 a.m. March 28, which is “Trails Opening Day,” at Lakeside Park, across the street from the Syracuse Community Center.
As far as Eli Lilly Road, the fundraising signs have been designed and will go in soon. The trail committee is committed to writing a grant for the Eli Lilly Road portion of the trail project, said committee member Mike Buhrt, instead of using money in the general fund. Plans are for widening the trail along Eli Lilly Road.
McClellan gave the treasurer’s report. McClellan said the committee did get a final $50,000 matching grant from the Miller family. The committee has an ending balance of $238,168.52, as of Feb. 28; the report was approved.
The committee decided to spend $1,000 to put its logo on two, new “Welcome to Syracuse” signs. One sign will be on the north side of Syracuse, while the other sign will be on the south side.
McClellan has collected a database of approximately 70 businesses located along the trail. She will use this database to inform businesses about events, such as the Bike Summit in Indianapolis, as well as to obtain donations.
The next meeting is at 6 p.m. April 20, at the Syracuse Community Center.