Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE - Running, walking, bicycle riding and even skateboarding can help fight obesity.
But to exercise, one's got to have a place to do it.
The Syracuse-Wawasee Park Foundation Trail Committee is spearheading an effort to build Syracuse-Wawasee residents a trail system to help them keep in shape.
Ideally, the trail system the committee has in mind will be an estimated 29 miles and may go around Lake Wawasee and Syracuse Lake. There'll be various indications of the route of the trail, including signs. Mike Hixenbaugh, administrative officer of the committee, said to make the trail possible, the committee is encouraging the widening of roads to provide space for the trail wherever possible, or a separate 10-foot-wide path. Some places on the trail could include gravel. However, nothing is set in stone yet.
Hixenbaugh said the trail committee is looking at various places for trail heads, including Ward Park, the community center, the middle school, Wawasee public ramp and Rotary Park. The trail will take into consideration neighborhoods.
Already, the first section of the trail is in place along Eli Lilly Road. The trail was put in when the road was relocated. The trail starts near the Lilly property and ends at Bishop Road.
"It's very helpful for us as a first section trail," said Hixenbaugh. And it's good for the community.
The trails are partially outside the town limits, Hixenbaugh said, and it is not just a Syracuse Parks project.
The goals of the trails project are to improve access to existing parks, lakes, schools, neighborhoods and other community amenities; allow for multiple access points, providing a safe environment for walking, jogging, bicycling and skating; foster family outings with scenic, healthful and educational activities; and promote tourism and improve community marketing for business and professionals considering relocation to the community.
The benefits include a safe and attractive alternative transportation route, making exercise more convenient, preserving and providing access to historic places, protecting the environment, providing a hands-on environmental classroom, helping build healthy lifestyles and making the community a better place to live, according to Hixenbaugh.
The project has three priorities now. First, the committee is continuing to promote the trail. Secondly, they're going door to door to ask for support. Third, the committee is continuing to raise money and write grants for the trail system. The committee is seeking funds from private donors as well as the from the Indiana Department of Transportation, Department of Natural Resources and foundations such as The Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Kosciusko County 21st Century Foundation and the International Palace of Sports.
There are also fund-raisers, such as the current T-shirt sale. Each shirt is $15.
The trail committee meets the fourth Tuesday of every month in the Community Center at 6:30 p.m.
Hixenbaugh said, "Most people recognize the need for safety. A lot of people walk and ride their bikes around here. It's all part of that healthy lifestyle."
Tax-deductible contributions can be sent to: Syracuse-Wawasee Park Foundation Trail Fund, 310 N. Huntington St., Syracuse, IN 46567.
Information on the trails and a map of the potential site for the trails is available at the Syracuse Community Center. For more information, call Hixenbaugh at 574-457-3440.
He said, "This is a very ambitious project and has broad support. It's going to take the support of all the community leaders to make this dream a reality. ... We need all the help we can get."
