News Release

MIDDLEBURY — Middlebury residents could soon be more connected if a crowdfunding campaign reaches its goal of raising $50,000 by Nov. 4.

The campaign project, led by Friends of Middlebury Parks, is eligible to receive a matching grant as part of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s CreatINg Places program.

Funds from the campaign will be used to build a trail connector from Riverbend Park to the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail on the east side of Middlebury, providing a connector for residents and visitors.

“The construction of this connector will greatly enhance safety and contribute to the physical and mental health of Middlebury residents,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s secretary of agriculture and rural development. “I am excited to see this project move forward because it will bring immediate positive change to the community and will have a lasting impact on the area’s wonderful trail system.”

“The River Mill trail is a continuation of the Trails of Middlebury that connects our parks, neighborhoods and businesses providing safe transportation and recreation,” said Tom Enright, Middlebury Parks and Recreation superintendent. “Trail users will no longer need to cross State Road 13 to reach key destinations in Middlebury. We support this trail wholeheartedly and love this project. We want you to support it and thank you in advance.”

Since the CreatINg Places program began in 2016, projects have raised more than $9.1 million in public funds and an additional $7.4 million in matching Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority funds. The program is available to projects located in Indiana communities. Nonprofit entities (with 501c3 or 501c4 status) and local units of government are eligible to apply. Eligible projects must have a minimum total development cost of $10,000, where the recipient will receive $5,000 in state matching funds should it successfully raise $5,000 through Patronicity. The state will provide matching grant funds up to $50,000 per project.