Kosciusko County Department of Parks and Recreation Board approved a draft of the Trails Master Plan at a meeting Thursday.
TSW Design Group’s Deb Schmucker discussed a draft of the Trails Master Plan with the board.
The Trails Master Plan aims to identify opportunities to connect communities in Kosciusko County through trails, while providing design standards. Schmucker said that approving the draft will not prevent future changes, but rather is a step toward approving a final draft that will be presented to the county commissioners for approval. The board approved the draft.
Community Coordinator Amy Roe discussed that Etna Green and Pierceton are working on their own trail and/or sidewalk projects. She offered to connect Park Board President Rob Bishop with K21 Health Foundation President Rich Haddad to discuss how the path could connect with other trails in the community. K21 is partially funding Etna Green’s project.
John Nelson, of Triad Associates, provided an update on the Chinworth Trail project.
Nelson said the drainage and pedestrian crossing submittals were reviewed and approved. He said he spoke with Niblock earlier this week, who projected they would break ground in April when the ground thaws.
Nelson also spoke with Brightspeed, who requested a notice to proceed on moving utilities in the right of way of the trail’s construction limits, at no cost to county, which Nelson provided. Nelson said he hopes this relocation effort will be complete in three months before Niblock begins work.
The next meeting is 1 p.m. Feb. 20 in the old courtroom in the county courthouse.