Trail committee hears updates on projects
Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee held its first meeting of the year Monday, Jan. 16. Committee members were given an update on several trail projects.Megan McClellan, executive director, has sent a request for three quotes for work on Northshore Drive. Requests were sent to: Thompson Concrete, Pulver Asphalt and Paving and Atlas Construction Services. The work includes: a drainage and erosion problem at the easement between two properties; a drainage problem at 861 E. Northshore; construction along 1037 E. Northshore; and a crack in the concrete by a drain in front of 1117 E. Northshore. These quotes will be returned to her by Monday, Jan. 30.“We already have the easement,” she said.As for the SR 13 crossing, McClellan has sent an invitation for quotes to: Thompson Concrete, Pulver Asphalt and Paving and Atlas Construction Services. These quotes will be returned Tuesday, Jan. 24. McClellan is requesting a grant to cover the cost of this improvement from the K21 Foundation.McClellan will be submitting a grant application to K21 Foundation at the end of this month to cover the cost of the improvements along Pickwick Road, where it crosses SR 13.McClellan and Dr. Tom Edington met with County Commissioner Brad Jackson regarding a section of a proposed trail along Syracuse-Webster Road. John Kimpel and Associates have completed the survey of the west side of the road. McClellan had the survey at the meeting for discussion.“I think it’s a great section of the trail,” said Dr. Erick Leffler, adding, “but it has to be on the west side.”Another committee member said it would be a very good trail, especially with the new Syracuse Elementary School.
Indiana Department of Natural Resources has approved the construction plans for the Conklin Bay boardwalk and trail. Earth Source is working on the final design elements and is putting together a bid packet. McClellan met with a representative of the Dekko Foundation and said if they grant the requested funds, $400,000, some of the grant may be in the form of a match. McClellan has submitted a grant request to the Kosciusko County Convention and Visitor’s Commission for $200,000 and she will be presenting it to them Wednesday, Jan. 18.“As of Jan. 16, we have raised $13,807 toward the Laudeman match of $40,000,” said McClellan. That match has been extended through Tuesday, Feb. 14.McClellan will be presenting two grant applications to the KCCVB this month. One is for the Conklin Bay construction ($200,000) and one is for paying a company to time runners at the Winter Carnival 5K ($800).Tour des Lakes, a fundraiser for the trails, is Saturday, July 8. Online registration should begin soon at www.tourdeslakes.com. The trail committee received $3,000 for the 2017 Tour des Lakes from the Harkless Foundation.“Once it is open, we will be sending a save the date emails to past participants,” she said. “We will be writing a grant to the convention and visitor’s commission for the BMX show and marketing for the show.”Edington gave the treasurer’s report for December. There was $6,792 in donations and expenses totalled $20,067.32.A concert to benefit the Conklin Bay project is slated for Saturday, Aug. 19.The Winter Warm-up 5K run is Saturday, Jan. 28.Volunteer of the Month is Sam Leman.The next meeting is 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, at the trail’s office.