The Kosciusko County Greenways and Blueways planning team will host a series of three open-house workshops to solicit input from the public on the Kosciusko County Park Board’s recent planning effort.
Following the completion of the FORWARD Kosciusko County Comprehensive Plan, Kosciusko County formed an official park board and completed a long-range parks master plan in early 2023.
As the next step in the planning and implementation process, the park board is in the process of identifying details and specifics for the various components of the master plan, including pathway connections between the communities of Kosciusko County and adjacent county trail and blueway systems.
The new Greenways and Blueways Plan will refine these connections to defined routes, connections and trailheads. Furthermore, the blueways component of the plan will identify public access locations and possible associations with the trail system, according to a provided news release.
Unlike previous community engagement efforts that have focused on broad topics and intentions, these public workshops will allow residents to provide input on specific trail routes, systemwide amenities and future programming opportunities along existing and future trails and pathways. Workshop attendees will also have the opportunity to provide input on future priorities that will determine how the Kosciusko County Park Board moves forward with design and construction.
The park board and the planning team will be hosting three open houses. Each meeting will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and will be an open-house format where community members can gather and share their opinions in an informal setting. Project staff will be on hand to collect input, discuss ideas and answer questions. Additionally, residents can provide input via online surveys if they are unable to attend the meetings.
The meetings are scheduled as follows:
1. Tuesday, July 9, Warsaw Community Public Library, Meeting Room C, 310 E. Main St., Warsaw, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
2. Wednesday, July 10, Syracuse Community Center, Celebration Hall, 1013 N. Long Drive, Syracuse, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
3. Thursday, July 11, Silver Lake Lions Club, 108 N. Harrison St., Silver Lake, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
The Greenways and Blueways Master Plan and the greater FORWARD Kosciusko County effort are intended to encourage cooperation, collaboration and continued, shared investment amongst all implementation partners. The process, and final plan, are intended to represent all everyone and be a tool to build a better future together.
Additional information on the project, including digital engagement opportunities, can be found at https://www.forwardkosciusko.com/.