News Release

WARSAW — The Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program Kosciusko and the Kosciusko County Parks & Recreation Board are inviting community members to a groundbreaking for the Chinworth Bridge Trail extension, a first step toward developing a countywide trail system.

The groundbreaking will take place at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 20, at the pavilion just east of the Old Chinworth Bridge at 3495 W. Old Road 30 in Warsaw.

“The Kosciusko County Parks Board is thrilled to begin construction of the first artery in a countywide bike/pedestrian trail system,” said Kosciusko County parks board president Rob Bishop. “This trail is a testament to our commitment to providing safe, accessible and beautiful spaces for outdoor recreation in our communities.”

The extension will head west toward Creighton’s Crazy Egg Café, adding just less than one mile of trail. Part of the Lake City Greenway, the trail is currently nearly two miles long, features two historic bridges and a picnic area. Trail-goers can also take advantage of the canoe and kayak launch for a scenic paddle along the Tippecanoe River. The Old Chinworth Bridge is on the National Registry of Historic Places, and the property now belongs to the Kosciusko County Historical Society.

“Extending the greenway less than a mile may not seem significant, but for those of us who live in the neighborhoods west of the Chinworth Bridge, this extension is certainly worth celebrating. It will give hundreds of families safe access from their homes to the growing trail system in the Warsaw community and beyond,” said Kosciusko County resident Steven Foegley.

The trail project originated from a Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program Kosciusko committee dedicated to enhancing the quality of place in Kosciusko County, consisting of volunteer community members.

“We’re thrilled to see this project come to life,” said Kosciusko County community coordinator Amy Roe. “It will provide connection to our smaller communities, adding more opportunities for physical exercise, while hopefully attracting visitors. It’s the result of hard work, collaboration and the dedication of multiple organizations, community members and volunteers. A countywide trail system will be a tremendous asset to our community.”

Triad Associates, now part of VS Engineering, led the project’s engineering efforts, and Niblock Excavating will complete the extension work.

For more updates on HELP Kosciusko visit kcgov.com and follow HELP Kosciusko on Facebook @HELPKosciusko.