SYRACUSE — Drainage issues on Eli Lilly Road are still a problem, the Syracuse-Wawasee Trails Committee heard the evening of Monday, March 21.

The committee is proposing a bike/pedestrian trail along Eli Lilly Road.

“There’s still some drainage issues,” said Megan McClellan, executive director.

Pulver Asphalt located where the water drains into Lake Wawasee. However, that pipe is not sufficient for the water that currently collects in it, and the company will have to bore an additional new line to the lake. The county highway department is not interested in helping monetarily, despite the fact tit will alleviate some of these drainage problems. These problems are not a current high priority for them, she said. McClellan is meeting with Pulver to determine the exact placement of this new drain line in order to get an updated cost estimate.

McClellan met with the K21 Foundation about a grant for this section of the trail. She found out this week that the trail committee did get a $20,000 grant.

McClellan is also in contact with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources about permitting an additional drain into the lake. She said two catch basins will possibly need to be installed.

“We still hope to start construction this spring,” she said. In addition to DNR permission, the committee also needs the homeowners permission. Phone boxes also still need to be moved.

Other trail projects were also discussed. As far as the Conklin Bay boardwalk project, the township will not sign the Indiana Department of Transportation papers so now these are with the county highway department. McClellan had the most recent project status spreadsheet from Earth Source at the meeting.

A $25,000 grant from Kosciusko County Convention and Recreation and Visitors Bureau was given to the trail committee for the Conklin Bay project. The Greenways Foundation gave the committee $2,000, the first time it has done so.

McClellan gave an update on the Pickwick Drive and SR 13 crossing. Some initial field survey work has been completed. The preliminary design and layout is to be done by Friday, March 25, as well as a topographic plan, too. Final plans are expected to be completed by April 15. Construction could start this summer, she noted.

Upcoming events and meetings were noted. The Tour des Lakes is Saturday, July 9. It is a major fundraiser for the trail committee. The committee received a $2,500 grant for marketing from KCCRV. McClellan said it is doing more marketing this year. It is looking at a new route, but will still have the same length. A new website is coming soon and the day will include a BMX jam session.

Earth Day Clean-Up is Friday, April 22, starting at the Syracuse Community Center. The Tails and Trails dog walk is Saturday, April 23, starting at the community center. Spring trail counts will be conducted in May and a campfire walk is Thursday, June 9.

Dr. Tom Edington gave the treasurer’s report. More than $60,000 in donations have been given to the committee, as of Feb. 29. “We have received several grants, too,” said McClellan. “I have applied for some other grants, as well.”
Volunteer of the Month was given to Chad Jonsson.

The next meeting is at 6 p.m. Monday, April 18, at the Syracuse Community Center