Both LaGrange and Elkhart counties have received a sizable grant from the Community Leadership Implementation Grants component of the eighth phase of its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII) initiative.
The LaGrange County Community Foundation received a grant of $5 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. which will support the first two phases of the Hawpatch Trail in Topeka. Managed by LaGrange County Trails, this funding will be instrumental in advancing the project, attracting additional resources, and turning the vision of a vibrant community bike trail into reality, a statement from the group said.
“This is truly a dream come true for LaGrange County,” said Octavia Yoder, executive director of the Foundation. “To begin a multimillion-dollar trail project with $5 million is beyond comprehension. This will be a game-changer for our community, providing a safer route for cyclists and walkers, and providing more outdoor recreational opportunities. Words cannot express our gratitude and excitement for this opportunity.”
The Hawpatch Trail is a 17-mile, multi-use bike and pedestrian trail that will connect Noble County’s Fishing Line Trail with Elkhart County’s Strawberry Valley Trail. Following the former Wabash Railroad Corridor, this project represents a total investment of nearly $18 million and will be completed in five phases. The first two phases will span 9.25 miles in and around Topeka, serving as the foundation for the trail’s full development and bringing safe, active, and accessible outdoor recreation to the community.
This project is the culmination of years of planning and community collaboration. Since 2019, LaGrange County Trails has championed the creation of biking and hiking trails to promote safe, active lifestyles. Recognizing the former railroad as a prime location, they identified it as a solution to address the safety concerns of cyclists traveling along 700 South into Topeka. Over the past five years, they have worked diligently to secure site control and build the momentum to make this vision a reality.
The Hawpatch Trail also reflects a community-driven vision outlined in the LaGrange County Together comprehensive plan, which prioritizes the development of trails to enhance connectivity, safety, and outdoor recreation for residents and visitors alike, according to the Foundation’s news release.
The next steps for Phases 1 and 2 of the Hawpatch Trail focus on laying the essential groundwork to bring this transformative project to life, the release reads. Key activities include land acquisition, surveying, community engagement, trail design and planning, fundraising, and ultimately, construction. Land surveying is slated to begin in 2025, coinciding with efforts to secure the necessary trail corridor. These efforts will pave the way for the development of the initial 9.25 miles, marking a significant milestone in the realization of this visionary trail.
“This grant will significantly accelerate the construction timeline for Phase 1 of the Hawpatch Trail, allowing us to complete the project years ahead of schedule,” said Jeff Wingstrom, president of LaGrange County Trails. “Beyond expediting progress, the grant will also enhance fundraising efforts and, most importantly, improve safety for citizens engaging in recreational and commuting activities.
“We are incredibly grateful for the LaGrange County Community Foundation and their partnership, as well as Lilly Endowment for its pivotal role in helping turn the Hawpatch Trail into a reality. Our heartfelt thanks also go to our community — businesses and individuals — who have generously contributed or plan to contribute toward the $225,000 matching grant also offered to support this project. Donations are still needed to meet this match, and we encourage anyone who can to contribute through the Foundation.”
The grant is just one of 30 being awarded through GIFT VIII, a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative designed to support the efforts of community foundations and their partners to strengthen the quality of life for the people in the towns, cities, counties and regions they serve.
ELKHART COUNTY
The Community Foundation of Elkhart County also received a grant, of $7.5 million, which it will use to support Building Strong Brains, Elkhart County’s early childhood initiative launched in 2022.
“Early childhood development is one of the most critical periods of time that defines the life outcome for a human being, and the correlation is strong between kindergarten readiness and all other academic progress,” said Pete McCown, president of the Community Foundation. “If we can do work to make sure that they’re ready to be successful and thrive when they enter the doors of a structured school experience, we can make a real difference in the lives of children in Elkhart County.”
The community has been coming together to join the coalition, which is changing the county’s approach to early childhood development, according to a statement provided by the Foundation. Eleven organizational sponsors are helping guide the work. Action teams are focused on community supports for children and families, quality child care and early learning environments, and maternal and child health. Dr. Kim Boynton will provide leadership as the Building Strong Brains coalition director.
The Community Foundation of Elkhart County says it’s the largest gift from Lilly Endowment Inc. in the community foundation’s history. Support from Elkhart County donors was a key factor in securing the gift and resulted in additional funding for the Tolson Center for Community Excellence and the Fund for Elkhart County at the Community Foundation. GIFT VIII resulted in a total of $11.5 million of investment in Elkhart County. In addition, the Community Foundations of Elkhart, St. Joseph, and Marshall counties are receiving $20 million from GIFT VIII to establish a regional housing trust and land bank.
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