Black-Eyed Susan along the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail

Black-Eyed Susan along the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Talking points for Vibrant Community Conversations

The Vibrant Community Conversations this week are at the following times and places:

  • Monday, Feb. 22, 10 a.m. to noon -- 4-H Elkhart County Fairgrounds, Martin Room, 17746 CR 34, Goshen
  • Tuesday, Feb. 23, 5-7 p.m. -- Pinewood Elementary School, 3420 E. Bristol St., Elkhart
  • Tuesday, Feb. 23, 7-9 p.m. -- Northwood High School, 21-1 N. Main St., Nappanee
  • Wednesday, Feb. 24, 6-8 p.m. -- Goshen High School Media Center
  • Thursday, Feb. 25, 6-8 p.m. -- Middlebury Town Hall, 418 N. Main St., Middlebury
I hope that many of those who enjoy riding and walking the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail will join these discussions and comment on ways that trails contribute to the quality of life in our area. Here are the talking points I'm going to make:


  1. I think the trails we have now -- Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, Winona Trail, Mill Race Trail, MapleHeart and Maple City Greenway -- have been a great benefit to our community by providing opportunities for biking, walking, jogging, bird watching and strolling for people of all ages.
  2. As good as the trail system is, I'd like to see some improvements.
    1. A tunnel under Kercher Road on the Winona Trail 
    2. Better signage and marked route between the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail and the Mill Race Trail.
    3. Extent the Winona Trail south to Baintertown where it could connect to the River Preserve Park. Extending it to Warsaw would be ideal.
    4. Put asphalt on the 1.75 miles of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail between CR 28 and SR 4. This section of trail is currently crushed limestone that becomes soft and rutted in damp weather, making it difficult to ride.
    5. On the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, I'd like to see:
      1. Close the gap in the trail between CR 33 and CR 35
      2. More parking areas
      3. Drinking fountains
      4. Rest areas with shelters 
      5. More benches


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