Pictured from left are Jo Paczkowski, KCCRVC; Steve Riffe, Ride+Walk Advisory Committee; Dave Taylor, KCCRVC; Craig Allebach, Ride+Walk Advisory Committee; Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer; Fred Helfrich, Ride+Walk Advisory Committee; Wes Stouder, KCCRVC; Tim Dombrosky, Ride+Walk Advisory Committee; Staci Young, Ride+Walk Advisory Committee. The KCCRVC donated $20,000 for the trailhead park. (Photo provided)

The Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation and Visitors Commission has awarded a $20,000 grant for the construction of Krebs Trailhead Park.

KCCRVC promotes active tourism in Kosciusko County through funding of projects and events that will attract visitors to the area. They have identified bicycle and pedestrian facilities as a core attribute to increase interest in visiting the county.

Krebs Trailhead Park will be a cornerstone of a larger bicycle and pedestrian system located on McKinley Street, just to the South of East Market Street. It is along a proposed route from Winona Lake to Downtown Warsaw. The park will include a path, restrooms, trail information, seating, picnic tables, bike parking, and open space.

The trailhead park will include information centers with area information, as well as city and county bicycling maps. The history of the Interurban Railway, which used to run through the property, will also be highlighted. The trailhead park is scheduled to be constructed and completed in the spring.

Dave Taylor, president of the KCCRVC, said, “The commission’s objective is to spend the funds generated by the Innkeeper’s Tax wisely by supporting community projects that not only attract tourists, but benefits the residents of Kosciusko County at the same time. We are excited to be a partner in this project that will be a great amenity for our trail system and is an example for projects that the Commission wants to encourage and support.”

KCCRVC is partnering with OrthoWorx in providing the necessary funding for the project. NIPSCO has committed to providing landscaping support. The property was generously donated to the city of Warsaw by Eddie and Anita Krebs. (See related story)

Pictured in attached photo are (left to right):
Jo Paczkowski, KCCRVC; Steve Riffe, Ride+Walk Advisory Committee; Dave Taylor, KCCRVC; Craig Allebach, Ride+Walk Advisory Committee; Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer; Fred Helfrich, Ride+Walk Advisory Committee; Wes Stouder, KCCRVC; Tim Dombrosky, Ride+Walk Advisory Committee; Staci Young, Ride+Walk Advisory Committee

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Ride+Walk Warsaw+Winona Lake was initiated in January 2012 to further community-wide bicycle and pedestrian efforts in the areas of engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation.  A bicycle-pedestrian master plan was completed in January 2013 and will provide a foundation for future planning and development.  A Ride+Walk Advisory Committee, consisting of representatives from several community organizations and government agencies, exists to oversee and execute the plan.  More information about Ride+Walk Warsaw+Winona Lake can be found by calling Staci Young at (574) 372-9554 ext. 224, emailing [email protected], or by following the effort on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RWWWL.