WARSAW — Beyer Brady Trail is one of the most unique parks that the city of Warsaw has to offer. With its winding boardwalk and educational signage, Beyer Brady Trail recreationally accents the wetlands with minimum impact.

In 2016, Stormwater Utility was directed to the trail to inspect some erosion issues. Following the inspection, Stormwater Utility pursued a potential stormwater quality project along the trail. The stormwater quality project would enhance – quality of life, quality of place and water quality. The original stormwater quality project concepts accomplished this by protecting the wetlands, adding an educational amphitheater and increasing stormwater storage and areas for infiltration.

For this to come to fruition, Stormwater Utility needed partners and expertise. In July 2017, Kosciusko Community Hospital donated $5,000 towards the stormwater quality project, becoming the first partner towards this endeavor for water quality.

“We are pleased to partner with the city on this meaningful project that enhances the entry point to the Beyer Trail while addressing stormwater runoff. A healthier community is ensured when the area waterways are clean,” said Kirk Ray, CEO of Kosciusko Community Hospital.

Another crucial partner for this stormwater quality project is another advocate for water quality – the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams. Stormwater Utility and the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams plan on unifying the Beyer Brady Trail through adding educational signage, like the signage added in the fall of 2016.

With the expertise of SRKM Architecture and G & G Hauling & Excavating, the project concepts became a reality. This project would not be possible without the quality work performed from both these businesses.

“We (Stormwater Utility) want to engage the community for environmental stewardship,” said Ryan Workman, the MS4 Coordinator of Stormwater Utility. “To improve quality of life, quality of place and water quality for the City of Warsaw is our service in which we can provide for the public.”

The project is scheduled to be completed by late summer to early fall.

The project’s renderings.