ALLEN COUNTY, Ind. (WOW): The western part of Allen County is now connected to Fort Wayne by the community’s trail system.
On Thursday, Nov. 17, there will be a ribbon cutting at the northeast corner of Covington Road and West Hamilton Road. The ceremony will officially open the 96th mile of trail in Allen County, according to Fort Wayne Trails.
“The City of Fort Wayne has been exceptionally successful turning trail dreams into reality, and we thank them for the opportunity to partner with them,” Executive Director of Fort Wayne Trails Kent Castleman said. “Thanks also must go to the hardworking staff and volunteers of our predecessor organization, Aboite New Trails. Their vision and hard work were instrumental in making this project possible.”
The Covington Road Trail connects to the network of trails in the Fort Wayne area. Now, trail users can travel 13½ miles one-way from West Hamilton Road to Headwaters Park, or travel 22 miles to Moser Park in New Haven.
“The ongoing expansion of the trail system in Fort Wayne, Allen County, and northeast Indiana makes us a point of destination and a quality of life leader to attract individuals, families, and businesses,” Deputy Mayor Karl Bandemer
The ¾ mile trail cost $1,251, 840. The project had right-of-way purchased, engineering and a 200-foot long retaining wall.
Fort Wayne Trails provided $211,241 for the project. The city of Fort Wayne contributed $100,000 and the Indiana Department of Transportation paid for the remaining costs.