The final phase of the Eli Lilly trail widening project was completed this past week. Pulver Asphalt and Paving is finished with the majority of construction, including drainage. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

SYRACUSE — Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee heard Monday, Aug. 15, the Eli Lily Road widening project is nearly completed.

Megan McClellan, director, said the cost of the project increased but she is still continuing to get donations.
“It looks good. It’s done and drainage is in,” she said. “It looks fantastic.”

Pulver Asphalt and Paving are finished with the majority of construction, including drainage.

The fundraiser sign for the Conklin Bay project has been installed along SR 13. It is located near the site of a proposed boardwalk project on Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation’s property.

McClellan reported the car show at Oakwood Resort raised more than $800. More than 30 cars were on display at the inaugural event Sunday, July 24. All proceeds benefit the trails.

The SR 13 crossing is coming along, she said. It will likely not be done until next spring. Bushes and more of a greenway are being considered for the crossing, located at Pickwick and SR 13. The proposal has been sent to INDOT for permitting approval.

McClellan and Rob Merchant, from the town of Syracuse, met with Pat O’Neil, the owner of Dairy Queen, to discuss the trail improvements planned for that section of Pickwick Drive. O’Neil is strongly supportive, she said, and she had a drawing of the proposed trail at the meeting.

Dr. Tom Edington gave the treasurer’s report. There was $13,432 in donations received in July and expenses totaled $15,432.63. The committee received a check Monday night for $5,500 from the proceeds from this year’s Wawasee Property Owners Association artist series.

This year’s Tour des Lakes event made $13,000. Half of that amount will be held back for next year’s ride and $250 each will go to: Rotary Club, Chautauqua, KCV and Pee Wee Football, all who hosted SAG stops. Also, $500 will go to the parks and $4,000 will go to the trails. TDL is still waiting for reimbursement from a grant. Once received, that reimbursement will give the trails committee $4,000. In comparison, last year TDL gave the trails $2,500. The next TDL meeting is at 1 p.m. Sept. 9, at the trails new office.

McClellan is attending the Indiana Bike and Walk Summit in Indianapolis Aug. 29-31. She is also attending the Indiana Trails Gathering Nov. 5 in Noblesville.

McClellan said she would like to start a maintenance log. She said she needs volunteers to log a map of the trail noting information about each trail. Information includes how wide the trail is, what kind of trail, and the maintenance needs of each trail.

The trail’s office has moved and is located in the chamber’s new office in downtown Syracuse.

The committee discussed a copier maintenance agreement. The committee considered several options. The chamber also gave the committee a used copier requiring a maintenance agreement. The matter was tabled.

McClellan mentioned Reecer Properties, a Fort Wayne real estate company, is adding the trails to the list of charity organizations it will donate $50 to upon a new homeowner’s request.

Volunteer of the Month is Luann Leatherman.

The next meeting is at 6 p.m. Sept. 19, at its new office, 801 N. Huntington St., Suite 4, in Pickwick Plaza.