By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

Shown is a map outlining the route for the new Wawasee South trail. The trail will begin at Grandview Drive and head south along SR 13 to Wawasee Middle School.

SYRACUSE — A trail along SR 13, from Grandview Drive, Syracuse, to Wawasee Middle School, is the next project for the Syracuse-Wawasee Trails committee. The cost is estimated at $3.1 million. The trail will be approximately 2.5 miles in length.

The announcement was made during the committee’s second annual fundraiser, “Life Is Better On The Trail,” Thursday evening, Sept. 1, at Blue Barn Berry Farm, Syracuse.

“The committee made a final decision,” stated Erlene Yentes, executive director, after giving a history of the committee and the feasibility study process.

Named Wawasee South, the project will be one leg of connecting Syracuse to North Webster. A group of individuals, led by Dan Thystrup, North Webster town councilman, has already begun its fundraising efforts to develop a trail from North Webster to Wawasee Middle School.

“It was a tough decision,” Yentes said. “We felt it was a good move to continue to Wawasee Middle School … only school not connected (by the trails).” She stated the committee has not forgotten about the lake area and conversations with the county highway department are being held. Such areas as additional striping along the roadways are being considered.

“We will still look at the side section. Once we get into the design phase with more specific information we will have community involvement meetings,” Yentes said.

Estimated project costs were presented. Estimated construction costs are over $2.6 million, as it is expected the project will not start until 2026. The cost included estimated inflation costs of $50,000 and a 25% contingency at $500,000. An additional $500,000 was added for design costs.

This map shows the existing trails (in red) and 12 plus miles of future trails.

Yentes spoke about various grants and what costs would not be covered by grants. Grant applications and research have already begun by Beth Johnson, USI Consultants, Indianapolis, as well as with local organizations.

Yentes reminded guests that while everyone was excited when the Conklin Bay trail was completed, it was “five years in the making before ground was broken … raising fund events to build Wawasee South to eventually be able to connect with North Webster.”

The feasibility study began after the completion of the Conklin Bay project in 2020. “We wanted to know how we can get around the rest of Lake Wawasee and fulfill our mission. That’s what kicked off our feasibility study,” she said. The study took six months to complete, followed by a community meeting the first of the year.

The objective of the study was for expansion and connection of the trails to the current system. The study included 12-plus miles of trail development, doubling the current trail system. It breaks down various projects into smaller segments individually or a bigger picture, depending on funding.

Additionally she stressed the committee is nonprofit and relies on public support.

The annual fundraiser did raise close to $4,000 on 13 silent auction items and close to $2,500 on four live auction items. Additionally donations of $10,550 were received.

The fundraiser evening included music by Clark Family Entertainment, heavy appetizers and a cash bar.