Mayor Announces Greenway Expansion and Improvement Plans

Mayor Graham Richard tonight announced the City this year will invest nearly $2 million to expand and improve greenways and trails. The Mayor made the announcement during his Report to the People speech to the Northeast Area Partnership.

Greenway highlights for 2007

* Resurface nearly two miles of the Rivergreenway, including the widening of sections of the greenway along the St. Joseph River. Once this project is completed, the entire original Rivergreenway will have been resurfaced.
* Construct nearly one mile of the Wabash and Erie Canal Towpath Trail between Ardmore and Covington roads and near Engle Road. By the end of 2007, nearly two miles of the Towpath will be complete. The nearly seven-mile trail will be completed in 2009 and will connect Aboite Township with Fort Wayne and New Haven.
* Design work will begin on the Rivergreenway extension from Johnny Appleseed Park to Shoaff Park
* Design work will begin on the Covington Road trail

* The City will apply for a $1 million grant to construct a trail from the Rivergreenway at Lawton Park to Franke Park and Fernhill Drive. The trail will connect northwest quadrant neighborhoods with downtown.
* Phase I of a greenway extension from Rockhill Park to Jefferson Pointe via Illinois Road
* Trail along Dupont Roadfrom Pine Mills to Auburn roads
* Salomon Farm trail loop
* Trail spur along Coliseum Boulevardto the Maumee River Pathway
* Construction will begin on several new trails in Aboite Township

            -Liberty Mills Road from Amber to Homestead roads

            -Homestead Road from Liberty Mills Road north to Summit Middle School
            -Amber Road from Liberty Mills Road to U.S. 24
            -Scott Road from Sonrise Church to Illinois Road to the Shoppes at Scott Road
            -Central Loop Trail

Since 2005, the City has invested $2 million in the community'€™s trails and greenways system. In addition, donations, grants, in-kind contributions, and commitments by Allen County, New Haven and IPFW total $14 million in investments to the greenway network.

“ Fort Wayne is a regional leader in providing excellent trails and greenways for recreation and exercise,” said Mayor Richard. “Quality of life is a key factor in attracting jobs and businesses to our community. Greenway investments will lead to economic development opportunities.”