Since Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight’s election victory in 2007, city officials have prioritized the construction and extension of the community’s trail system, a dedication they expect to continue in the upcoming months and years.
In fact, two of the city’s more heavily traversed stretches, the Industrial Heritage and Nickle Plate trails, are likely to become the beneficiaries of that dedication. It is the city’s hope, according to City Engineer Carey Stranahan, to complete the planned pedestrian bridge connecting the two trails over 931 by the summer of 2017.
To achieve that goal, the city will need to receive the federal grant money through the Transportation Enhancement Program, a similar portion of funding used for the Dixon Road reconstruction project.
“It’s a long, arduous process. There’s an environmental approval that needed to be done,” said Stranahan in April. “Now we’re in a right-of-way acquisition phase.”
Before the city completes the 931 bridge, however, officials likely will work to fill the last remaining gap in the Industrial Heritage Trail.
Currently, the trail runs from the far north end of the city where 931 and Washington Street split, extending down to Northside Little League before it hits an undeveloped stretch from Morgan Street to Monroe Street.
From there, the trail extends through the heart of downtown, passing in front of the courthouse before extending over Wildcat Creek. The trail then connects with the Walk of Excellence and crosses Markland Avenue before ending near the former location of Damon’s Grill and Sports Bar on Reed Road.
While city development specialist David Tharp didn’t provide a timeline for the completion of the Industrial Heritage Trail gap, it is the city’s goal to eventually “run from county line to county line,” he said.
“Having a pedestrian and bike friendly community is not only good for economic development and the attraction of residents, but it is good for the city’s families,” said Tharp. “You will see people of all ages on the trail, and you will see families out on Saturday morning enjoying a nice activity.
“Trails provide a healthier lifestyle and an alternative way to get around the city, while also connecting all of the city’s parks and neighborhoods.”
For Tharp, the two most important qualities of trails - recreation and connectivity - aren’t mutually exclusive but instead work together to provide a more efficient community.
“The industrial trail is drawing older neighborhoods into the community, which also provides recreation opportunities to those residents,” he said. “When you put these sorts of things into a community, people start to use them. It is an access to a network of trails that gets people out and moving, and is a cost-effective family activity.”
With the momentum created by these affordable and healthy alternative transportation opportunities, Tharp expects to see a dedication by city officials and residents to keep moving forward.
“We’re consistently working toward connecting Nickle Plate to Industrial Heritage, and we are always looking for opportunities to expand,” said Tharp. “It is something that residents deserve and have been calling for, and we look forward to providing them with it. We need to be sure to keep our population growing.”
Other Howard County Trails
Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence – This extensive trail comprises four different sections: Markland Avenue and Park Road to Highland Park; Highland Park to Foster Park; Foster Park to Future Park; and Future Park through Crown Point Cemetery to Waterworks Park. It is considered ideal for walking, hiking, running and bicycling.
Jackson Morrow Park walk path – Winding through Jackson Morrow Park, 4200 S. Park Road, the 1.3-mile paved trail is often used for leisurely strolls through the park’s wooded areas.
Peshewa Nature Trail at Kokomo Reservoir Park – The 1.3 mile hiking trail stretches from Reservoir Park to the Kokomo Reservoir Dam on 400 East, and is most often used by residents looking to enjoy the park’s wildlife.