Warsaw and Winona Lake now have a new trail for walking, biking, jogging and rollerblading.
Opening ceremonies were held Friday afternoon for Warsaw's Chinworth Trail and Winona Lake's Heritage Trail for the Lake City Greenway.The greenway is an eight-mile multi-use trail for bicycling, walking, jogging, running and rollerblading, connecting Warsaw and Winona Lake.
State and local government leaders and residents gathered for the ceremonies. Governor Mitch Daniels and Congressman Mark Souder attended the ceremonies, and spoke in Winona Lake at the Heritage Trail opening.
Daniels said the trail will be an asset to Indiana.
"Among the many reasons we seek to make Indiana known as the state of trails is that it will enhance the quality of life and promote wellness," Daniels said.
Souder also said he supports the trails.
"It is important to preserve and connect our prairies and woods, and a bike trail is critical for long-term economic developments," Souder said.
The Lake City Greenway steering committee was formed in 1997 to begin exploring the possibility of a bike trail in Warsaw.
An opening ceremony was held at the Chinworth Bridge Trailhead, Warsaw's portion of the trail, at 350W and Old 30W where Marsh Davis, president of the Historic Landmarks Association of Indiana, spoke.
The Chinworth Bridge Trail connects the Chinworth Bridge to the City-County Athletic Complex and the city of Warsaw. Trailmarkers outline the history of the Chinworth and Groninger bridges. It begins at 350W and Old 30, and ends at Zimmer Road. It is 1.9 miles long.
A ceremony also was held for Winona Lake's Heritage Trail on Auditorium Boulevard at Trailhouse. Winona Lake's Heritage Trail runs along the canal and the old Chicago Boys Club, approximately two miles.
The Heritage Trail begins at the corner of King's Highway and Park Avenue and ends at Roy Street. It is 1.8 miles long.
The Heritage Trail features artwork that interprets attributes to the heritage of Winona Lake.
Greenway rules signs are posted at both ends of the Heritage and Chinworth trails.
There also are posts and signs along the Chinworth and Heritage trails where recepticals and plastic bags will be available for people who use the trail to deposit the dog waste.
Bicyclists, skaters and handicapped scooters are allowed on the trail, but private motorized vehicles are not allowed.
The first completed section of the trail, the Beyer Farm Trail connecting Pike Lake Park and Campground to Provident Drive behind the Kosciusko Community Hospital, was completed in 2003. The trail consists of an 8-foot wide asphalt trail and raised wooden boardwalk, which goes through 60 acres of urban wetland. The section of trail is approximately three-fourths of a mile.
