This section connects the towns’ trail systems between County Road 200 North in Avon and the B&O Trail in Brownsburg.

“This is an example of a project that makes communities great,” Brownsburg Town Manager Grant Kleinhenz said. “This is what builds a legacy. I think we’ve done a lot of these great projects and I’m excited for it.” 

The one-mile section was selected as a legacy project by the Indiana Bicentennial Commission for the state’s 200th birthday celebration in 2016.

Kleinhenz has worked closely with Avon Town Manager Tom Klein since initial talks in late 2015. Interlocal agreements were signed in 2016.

“This has been a great project and it’s been great to work with the parks staff, Grant’s staff,” Klein said.

The councils of both towns had a role to play in the success of the project as well.

“The connection between Brownsburg and Avon is really important,” Sean Benham, Brownsburg Town Council member, said. “The two towns have been able to work together on so many projects and this is just one of the projects. It helps to be able to connect the two towns not only physically between the trails, but shows the ability for us to work together on many different projects together.”

Avon Town Council member Marcus Turner also commented on what it means for the towns.

“We either live in Avon or Brownsburg but we work and play in both,” he said. “What’s good for one is good for both and it’s a wonderful project.”

Avon Town Council member Greg Zusan agreed, explaining that he lives in Avon and works in Brownsburg. The connection between those in both communities is positive for the county.

Jeff Smallwood, a member of the B&O Trail Association board of directors and president of the Hendricks County Trail Development, said this addition to the trail system is a great benefit to the communities.

“This is so super to see the towns of Avon and Brownsburg being connected by these trails and both towns really getting involved and promoting them, which is a great step forward,” he said. “It’s a milestone in the development of the trails in Hendricks County.”

Brownsburg Parks Director Travis Tranbarger echoed the importance of the trails, noting the influence the B&O Trail has had in the area.

“We are certainly excited to work with Avon on this project as well, but don’t want to forget the B&O and all they’ve done to pave the way for trails in Brownsburg,” he said. “A lot has spawned off of the B&O Trail as far as the development of the Brownsburg trail system and we’re excited to continue that.”

Both towns split the cost of construction with Avon paying 51 percent and Brownsburg paying 49 percent, based on the amount of land that is in each town.

The total cost of the project was about $1 million.