K21 Health Foundation has approved a $50,000 grant to help fund a $100,000 feasibility study for the Syracuse-Wawasee Trails.

“We are thrilled that the K21 Health Foundation continues to support our trails and our future endeavors,” said Kay Young, chair of the Syracuse-Wawasee Trails Committee, noting the remaining $50,000 will need to be raised in order to move forward with the study.

“Trails play a vital part in our community,” added Erlene Yentes, executive director. “People in our community want to know where the trail is going next, and these studies are vital to moving trails connectivity forward. The information received from these studies will assist us in providing safe trails routes for residents and visitors to enjoy. It will also help develop a master plan for where we’re
headed next.”Yentes said the complete study will look at three segments:

• Kern Road/CR 1200N/Syracuse-Webster Road/Harkless Drive
• Grandview/Waco Drive/Vawter/CR 800E/Hatchery/Wawasee Middle School
• Hatchery/Turkey Creek/Bishop

Young and Yentes said the trails committee will be reaching out to the general public to move forward with the feasibility study. “Our office is looking at other funding sources as well as a potential match to assist in this effort,” according to a joint statement. “As we navigate trail expansion, we welcome feedback from the community. Communication, collaboration, financial support and education are vital to continue to move forward with our vision of providing a network of walking/biking trails that connect our community and Lake Wawasee.

“If you have enjoyed what has already been built and if you want to see our trails system continue to grow,” the release added, “then please show your support by contributing toward this feasibility study project. Checks can be mailed to Syracuse-Wawasee Trail, Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N. Long Drive, Syracuse, IN 46567, or visit syracusewawaseetrails.com and click the ‘Donate Today’ button to use a credit card. And, again, it goes without saying that the Syracuse-Wawasee Trails is grateful to the K21 Health Foundation for their support as we move forward with this feasibility study.”

Yentes can be reached at ed@syracusewawaseetrails.com or at (574) 675-6433.