City to host Greenway Summit

Mayor Graham Richard will lead the City'€™s second annual Greenway Summit from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, November 14 at the River Lodge in Shoaff Park, 6401 St. Joe Rd.

The Summit will bring together elected officials, greenway and trail advocates, and the community to discuss the current trail system and plans for how trails will be improved and added in the City, Allen County and Northeast Indiana.

“Greenways and trails are valuable assets to our region. We must capitalize on this tremendous opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of many,” said Mayor Richard. “We must be committed to better physical fitness and exercise. The greenway provides us with links to parks, schools and neighborhoods. It also helps us promote a Green City that'€™s more environmentally friendly. Businesses look to communities that have greenway resources. Greenways and trails can help us retain and gain jobs and stimulate economic growth.”

The City is investing in the Rivergreenway system. City crews are repaving the greenway and making landscaping and signage upgrades. The repaving of the entire greenway will take two more years to complete. The City and greenway volunteer groups plan to increase the miles of trails and greenways from 18 to more than 100. More than 40 Greenway Ranger volunteers help make the greenway cleaner and more user-friendly. The volunteers check a portion of the greenway system once a week to make sure there aren'€™t any serious problems. Earlier this year, the Fort Wayne Police Department began using bike patrols on the greenway.

At last year'€™s Summit, Mayor Richard announced a $2 million commitment to improve and add trails and greenways. The City'€™s financial support combined with other funding sources could bring the total to $8 million.