Fort Wayne & NE Indiana News

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Government

Closer To Closing The Trail Loop

Mayor Tom Henry, New Haven Mayor Terry McDonald, representatives from Fort Wayne Trails and community and neighborhood leaders have broken ground for phase one of the Six Mile Creek Trail.

Today’s groundbreaking was for phase one, a nearly one-mile long trail expansion from South Phoenix Parkway at Southtown Centre to the intersection of Tillman Road and Lemar Drive.

While this is only phase one of the Six Mile Creek Trail, when the full, multi-phase trail is complete it will contribute significantly to connectivity in the community by providing a 26-mile continuous loop linking Moser Park in New Haven, Fort Wayne’s Rivergreenway and the Six Mile Trail.

“Investing in trails is critical to the current and future success of our community and region,” said Mayor Henry. “It’s great to see trail development in southeast Fort Wayne as we continue our commitment to enhancing quality of life amenities that make our City a point of destination for individuals, families, and businesses.”

“We are excited about the Six Mile Creek Trail expansion. Our residents are eager to have more connectivity that will enhance recreational, leisure, exercise opportunities for pedestrians, joggers and bicyclists,” said City of New Haven Mayor, Terry McDonald. “I know connecting with the region through the trail network will strengthen our community and position us well for the future.”

This first phase of the Six Mile Creek is an investment of $1,674,250, covering design, right-of-way acquisition and construction by local contractor, Brooks Construction. $1,298,050 of that figure comes from federal funds through the Northeast Indiana Regional Coordinating Council (NIRCC) with $376,200 coming from the local match. The $100,000 donation presented today by Fort Wayne Trails Incorporated is part of that $376,200 with the remaining portion coming from the City.

“Our mission is to support trail growth and usage throughout the trail network and we are pleased to make a contribution to aid in safe connectivity for this important trail that will one day offer a unique asset of a 26-mile continuous loop,” said Kent Castleman, Executive Director of Fort Wayne Trails Incorporated. “Besides completing the loop, the Six Mile Creek Trail offers a unique blend of nature and culture as it passes through urban, suburban and rural areas.”

Future phases of the trail will run east along Tillman Road to the Trier Ditch, which was historically known as the Six Mile Creek. The remainder of the loop route is still being planned but will generally follow the Trier Ditch to Moser Park and the New Haven Community Center where it will connect to the eastern end of the Rivergreenway in New Haven. When completed, the Six Mile Creek Trail will connect with four New Haven parks and several residential neighborhoods in southeast Fort Wayne.