Aboite New Trails has provided the City of Fort Wayne with over $200,000 to help construct the Towpath Trail that will connect Aboite Township with the Fort Wayne and New Haven Rivergreenway system.
“We appreciate Aboite New Trails' commitment to trails and greenways in our community,” said Mayor Graham Richard. “Fort Wayne is setting a great example by engaging in high trust, high performance partnerships to create a regional greenways network to benefit residents and our quality of life.”
Construction will begin later this year on the Towpath Trail. The trail will begin
in Rockhill Park and extend from Engle Road to West Jefferson Boulevard to a yet to be determined cross point. The trail will ultimately connect to the trail system being developed by Aboite New Trails. The trail will follow the old Wabash and Erie Canal towpath, which was the dirt path along the canal used by mules to tow boats. The entire trail will be completed in the next two years.
“We're pleased to be a partner with the City of Fort Wayne as we work together to build a regional trail network to enhance our entire community,” said Lynn Reecer, President of Aboite New Trails. “Local trail advocacy groups are making a positive difference. We're reaching out to the community to provide great recreation and exercise opportunities, alternative transportation options, and pedestrian connectivity to schools, neighborhoods and shopping.”
Aboite New Trails has solicited the following donations for the Towpath Trail:
* $150,000 '
Parkview Hospital Foundation
* $25,000 ' Community Foundation of Greater
Fort Wayne
* $37,500 ' English-Bonter-Mitchell Foundation
The cost to construct the six mile Towpath Trail is estimated at $2.5 million. Once the project is completed, greenway users will have 25 miles of continuous trails stretching from New Haven to County Line Road in
Aboite Township.
