This morning, Mayor Sharon Tucker, alongside Fort Wayne Trails Executive Director Kent Castleman, announced a $5M gift from the Vann Family Foundation to assist in funding a new pedestrian bridge over Coliseum Blvd. for the Pufferbelly Trail. The bridge will be known as the Vann Family Crossing.
Jim Vann was a former shareholder and chairperson of Rea Magnet Wire in Fort Wayne and has been an instrumental leader and community supporter over the years.
“My wife, Lee, loved the trails system in Fort Wayne,” said Jim Vann. “The bridge is our way of saying thank you to the late Mayor Tom Henry and Mayor Tucker, to all Rea employees, and to our citizens for creating such a special place to live and work. We are proud to call Fort Wayne our home.”
Fort Wayne Trails staff, along with city staff, worked with family representatives to make this gift a reality. James Holm, Director of Community Engagement, created a video presentation showcasing the importance of this bridge and its impact on not only Fort Wayne, but the regional trail system through the Poka-Bache Connector. The Pufferbelly is a segment of the 81-mile visionary trail being developed across four counties. To view the presentation video from November 2023, click here.
“One of the goals of this important bridge project is to make our trails more useable as public transportation. This bridge will allow for a safe and speedy crossing over Coliseum Blvd. helping trail users to reach downtown Fort Wayne and its many destinations. Eliminating the barrier of Coliseum Blvd. for casual users as well as daily commuters is a generational move for the growth of the system.” commented Castleman. This bridge, which is a part of the section of the Pufferbelly Trail known as the Golden Spike, will connect 85 miles south of Coliseum Blvd. with 35 Miles north to create a 120 mile connected network in Allen County.
In a letter explaining the reasons for their family’s gift, Jim added, “with Rea and through the Vann Family Foundation, a steady stream of donations and strong company volunteerism was sustained in the community. The initial contribution to the Aboite Trails was through the Vann Family Foundation in 2002. The Vann Family Crossing really represents the pinnacle of our thanks to Mayor Henry, Mayor Tucker, the citizens of Fort Wayne, and the generations of Rea Magnet Wire employees. Fort Wayne Trails was one of Lee’s real passions, and we feel truly lucky…. again… to be part of building Fort Wayne’s incredible future.”
The Vann children stated that their parents’ story is just one of many, and what makes Fort Wayne so unique. They have been part of a generational “core of giving” that has been truly inspirational. Fortunately for all of us, our community’s culture of “doing good for others” is as strong as ever and will continue to be the foundation for our City’s future prosperity.
“The kind and generous gift being provided by Mr. Vann and his family is a true testament to thinking of others first and giving back for the betterment of a community,” said Mayor Tucker. “Our trails and greenways provide residents and visitors with a quality-of-life amenity that makes Fort Wayne stronger and more vibrant. This effort will leave a legacy that won’t be forgotten.”
Lee and Jim Vann