PROGRESS REPORT
Wawasee North Shore Segment
Thanks to the generous support of the
Peter and Ginny Nicholas family the first segment
of trail was completed. The original
section runs from the railroad crossing on Bishop Road
to Eli Lilly Road, then west on Eli Lilly Road to
Cornelius Road. The second phase of progress on this
segment provided finished trail along the western half of
Cornelius Road connecting to Pickwick Drive. The Committee
plans to connect the Cornelius Road and Eli Lilly Road
sections next, and to continue this segment west along
Pickwick Drive to State Route 13 in the Wawasee Village area.
Segment Manager, Spike Ford contact
Wawasee South Shore Segment
By far the most visible and, perhaps, the most needed trail section is along
the State Route 13 corridor, particularly from Vawter Park Road north into the
Wawasee Village area. An exciting and attractive feature planned for this segment is the
possibility of a rest area and scenic overlook at the Wawasee Area Conservancy
Foundation site overlooking Conklin Bay. Due to permitting requirements, state regulations, and
construction costs, this
section will probably be the most challenging to complete and will require a
great deal of committed support
from area residents. An
application has been filed for a
Transportation Enhancement Grant
through the Indiana Department of
Transportation. A public
meeting regarding this grant is
scheduled July 9, 2008, during
which INDOT will gather
information and public input.
The Trail Committee is asking
area residents to attend this
meeting to show their support for
the Trail Project and encourage
the selection of the
Syracuse-Wawasee Trail for
funding.
Segment Manager, David Brandes contact
Syracuse Lake Segment
This segment is planned to be a system of sidewalks extended from roadway as
well as separated trails. From the Community Center, running east along North Shore Drive to
the town limits, a system of sidewalks is nearly complete. Continuing from the town limits
to East Shore Drive, a majority of property owners have agreed to grant
easements for a similar trail segment consisting of attached sidewalks. The committee has
not yet determined how to configure the segment along East Shore Drive running south to Cornelius Road. A Boner Lake connector is a proposed
option.
Acting Segment Manager, Max Laudeman contact
Syracuse City Segment
Some of the initial grant monies awarded to the
Trail project were designated for
creating a link between the Community Center (which serves as
the Trailhead) with Bowser Road.
This route uses existing sidewalks, the “Warrior Way” path south of the high
school and a section along McConnell Ditch to Bowser Road. Construction on the
High School section is complete,
with landscaping currently being
finished. The
remaining routes designated on the segment map are proposed, and there are no immediate plans for
construction at this writing.
Segment Manager, Donn Baird contact
Southeast Wawasee Segment
The trail may get a real boost along Turkey Creek Road (County Road 950E), as one of
the property owners is planning a privately funded trail section for that
area. The committee is encouraging neighboring residents
to help raise funds to extend the north and south ends
of the privately constructed section. The area is a heavily used
walking, jogging and cycling route and a trail system is truly needed. The
Runaway Bay Condominiums have indicated interest in the trail project, and
have assured that they will grant trail easements through their properties.
