Fort Wayne Trails, Local Governments honor Towpath Trail opening

Posted on Thursday, September 29, 2011

Trail Completion Marks Impressive Fifty Miles of Connectivity

Fort Wayne, Ind. – Sept. 29, 2011  – Fort Wayne Trails, Inc. (FWT) today announced the grand opening of the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail (“Towpath Trail”), connecting fifty miles of trails throughout the Fort Wayne area. City, county and state officials, members of the community, trail sponsors and the Fort Wayne Trails organization gathered at the new pavilion on Engle Road to celebrate this major milestone in the area’s trail development.

Trail users on foot and bike converged upon the trailhead to commemorate the trail’s opening and its significance of regional trail connectivity. Celebration activities included a ribbon cutting ceremony, food and drink, live music, Wetland and Trail tours and special giveaways for those who rolled or strolled to the gathering.

“The opening of this particular trail takes our trail network to a new level of connectivity,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “The years of planning, the private and public contribution, and the support and usage of these trails by Fort Wayne residents are what make these miles of trails a reality. This collective effort is a true testament to our community’s vision, collaborative spirit, and bias toward action.”

Major donors who made the Towpath Trail possible along with government partners include the English, Bonter, Mitchell Foundation, Foellinger Foundation, Robert Goldstine Foundation, Lutheran Health Network/Lutheran Hospital, Parkview Health, Vera Bradley, and the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne.

“Thanks to the vision of so many community leaders and dedicated volunteers, we are leaving a legacy to future generations – one that signifies healthy communities, economic viability, and opportunities for everyone to enjoy active transportation,” said Lori Keys, executive director of Fort Wayne Trails. “Our ultimate goal is to serve all area residents and visitors by expanding the trail network to population centers and by putting Fort Wayne on the map, literally and figuratively, as a vibrant and wonderful place to live."

The following chronology highlights the key stages in the development of this particular trail and underscores the significance its opening has to the area community:

• On February 22, 1832, ground was broken in Fort Wayne for the Wabash & Erie Canal, which eventually extended 468 miles from Toledo, Ohio to Evansville, Indiana, creating a trade route from New York to New Orleans. Earth excavated from the canal channel was used to create two embankments. One had a towpath for horses and mules that pulled the boats.
• In November 1900, area canal properties were purchased to build an interurban railroad from Fort Wayne to Logansport, and eventually as many as 15 interurban cars daily traveled the Towpath Trail, powered by an overhead electric line.
• On September 11, 1938, the last interurban car left Fort Wayne, giving way to bus and truck transportation.
• Today, the Towpath Trail provides area residents and visitors with beautiful scenery, rich history, active and safe transportation options, connectivity from Southwest Allen County to Downtown, and a cost-free way to get out and experience the vibrant Fort Wayne community.

As the Towpath Trail crosses Engle Road it leads trail users to Eagle Marsh, which is the largest nature preserve in Allen County at 716 acres and features 8 miles of hiking trails. In 2001, Fort Wayne had 18 miles of trails isolated along its rivers. Today, thanks to volunteer, donor and government support, there are 66 total miles of Fort Wayne Trails.
 
“Trail systems all over the country have led to increased private investments, property values and healthy living,” said Indiana Senator David Long. “The State of Indiana has been pleased to leverage community support and bring federal transportation funds back to Fort Wayne to improve our area’s sustainability and economic development and encourage connectivity in this vibrant region.”
 
“Citizens are always telling me how the trails have transformed our community for the better. When I’m out on the trails, I see people of all ages waving at each other,” said Allen County Commissioner Linda Bloom. “The Fort Wayne Trails are a source of pride for all in this community.”
 
At today’s celebration, The Fort Wayne Trails gave special thanks to those sponsors who helped make the day’s activities possible: Summit Brands, Coventry Meadows, Casa Ristoranti Italiano (Food Sponsor), Bussick Orthodontics (Snack Sponsor), Fort Wayne Outfitters & Bike Depot (Bike Sponsor), One Lucky Guitar, and Green B.E.A.N Delivery.  

About Fort Wayne Trails

Created in January 2011, Fort Wayne Trails, Inc. is a dynamic, not-for-profit [501 (c) (3)] corporation dedicated to enhancing our vibrant and healthy community through the development of an ever-expanding multi-use trail network.  FWT’s inception is the result of merging three area non-profit trails’ initiatives – Aboite New Trails, Greenway Consortium and Northwest Allen Trails. There are currently 66 miles of trails, with plans to extend the trails in every direction from the city’s center to connect communities, attract economic development, and improve overall livability throughout Fort Wayne and Allen County. For information or to donate, please contact Lori Keys at 260.969.0079 or lori@fwtrails.org. Please visit www.facebook.com/FortWayneTrails for updates while www.fwtrails.org is under construction.

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