More than 100 residents and a penguin turned out for today’s ribbon cutting to celebrate a new trail connection for the Waynedale area. The event sponsored by the Waynedale Trails and Sidewalks Initiative and the City’s Greenways and Trails department brought out 85 bike riders and 30 walkers to celebrate a new trail ramp.

Last fall the City completed construction of new sidewalk along Lower Huntington Road that widens over the bridge crossing the St. Marys River. The sidewalk connects to a new 8-foot-wide trail ramp that leads to the St. Marys Pathway.

Today’s event dubbed, Trail Trek at the Point, was named for the restaurant where attendees gathered to park and visit before and after the event. The establishments Penguin mascot turned out to greet attendees.

Joining Fort Wayne Greenways and Trails Director Dawn Ritchie for the ribbon cutting were several Waynedale business and neighborhood leaders who support and lead the Waynedale Trails and Sidewalks Initiative. The group included Camille Garrison–Kingston Residence, Warren Disch–Pizza Hut, Alex Cornwell—Waynedale News, Mary Stark—Curves, Jorden Cornwell—Waynedale Business Chamber, and Beulah Matzak—neighborhood leader.

The Waynedale connection offers pedestrians, joggers and bicyclists a safe pathway to Waynedale businesses, Tillman and Foster Park and the 90 miles of trails in Allen County. That’s why Penguin Point teamed up with the Waynedale Trails group to sponsor this event. The restaurant is offering up space for gathering and parking to welcome trail users and this new transportation connection.

The City’s trail network is connecting residents with over 70 miles in the City and another 20 in Allen County. According to the 2013 US Census estimates, 86,247 Fort Wayne residents are now within a half mile of a trail.

Ribbon cutting photo ID: l-r—Warren Disch—Pizza Hut, Jordan Cornwell—Pres., Waynedale Business Chamber, Camille Garrison—Kingston Residence & Chair of Waynedale Trails and Sidewalks Initiative, Mary Stark—Curves, Penguin from Penguin Point, Beulah Matzak—Committee Member, Dawn Ritchie–City of Fort Wayne Greenways and Trails Director, Alex Cornwell—Waynedale News, Kent Castleman—Fort Wayne Trails, Inc., Jason Arp—4th District City Councilman