Towpath Trail opens, connecting 50 miles of trail across Allen County

Posted on Thursday, September 29, 2011

Fort Wayne Trails, State of Indiana, City of Fort Wayne and Allen County Dedicate Towpath Trail

What: Today Fort Wayne Trails, Inc. and its public and private partners will dedicate the initial four phases of the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and a new two-acre trailhead featuring public art sculptures, interpretive signage, and outdoor classroom space for neighboring Eagle Marsh. The Towpath Trail spans 5.5 miles between the Lutheran Hospital campus and Rockhill Park, where it links to the Rivergreenway and downtown Fort Wayne. The trail follows the historic Wabash & Erie Canal corridor and weaves through beautiful neighborhoods, scenic marshlands and areas of commerce. With its completion, 50 miles (of a total of 66 miles) of Fort Wayne Trails are now continuously connected across Allen County.

BICYCLE RIDE-INS

Bicycle ride-ins and trail walk-ins to the event will occur north and south of the Engle Road Trailhead at the following times:

• 4pm – Downtown bike commuters will depart from Headwaters Park (Rothschild Pavilion) to the Towpath Trail opening.
• 4:30pm – Mayor Tom Henry and Commissioner Linda Bloom will depart together on a Model T Bicycle from the intersection of Coleman Dr. and the Towpath Trail toward the Engle Rd. trailhead. They will be joined by the cyclists from downtown, Canterbury School student athletes, and various trail user groups.
• 4:25pm – Towpath Trail area employees will depart Coventry Meadows (7843 W Jefferson Blvd) on foot to arrive at the Towpath Trailhead by 4:45pm.

RIBBON CUTTING

Special Ceremony from 4:45 to 5:10pm  
Senator David Long, Mayor Tom Henry, Allen County Commissioner Linda Bloom and many other community partners will dedicate the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

• When: Thursday, September 29, 2011. Bicycle ride-ins begin and 4pm; Ribbon cutting ceremony begins at 4:45pm. Live music, refreshments, and trail and wetland tours will follow the ribbon cutting ceremony.
• Where: Event parking is available for media in the Towpath Trailhead parking lot, at the intersection of Engle Rd. and the new Statesmans Way traffic signal.

 For more information, photos, or interview requests, please contact Lori Keys, Executive Director of Fort Wayne Trails, at lori@fwtrails.org or call (260) 705-7284.

 

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