Project Details
Local residents and leaders in Wakarusa and Nappanee have long identified a need to provide safe, comfortable ways for people who bike, walk, and travel by horse in and between their communities, the “Wa-Nee” region. However, there were no clear routes to be designated for nonmotorized trails. For this project, Abonmarche worked closely with Community Foundation staff and a steering committee of local leaders to consider possible alternates based on existing conditions, public preferences, and stated priorities.
This study resulted in identification of four route opportunity areas connecting the two communities. The Abonmarche team summarized the conditions, opportunities, and challenges related to locating an off-road trail within each alternate route area, and completed a brief assessment of four example routes. The assessments compared each example route to the priorities set by the steering committee, such as number of road crossings, number of creek/ditch crossings, number of properties crossed, and total number of property owners to negotiate. The final report also outlined next steps the Community Foundation and advocates for a trail could take, as well as direction to funding and other relevant resources.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Multifaceted Community Engagement Activities
• GIS Mapping and Evaluation
• Existing Conditions Report
• Summary of Community Preferences
• Identification of Priorities with Steering Committee
• Evaluation of Route Alternatives
• Final Report with Next Steps and Relevant Resources
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION