LaGrange County Community Foundation, in collaboration with LaGrange County Trails, is hosting the Big Idea Open House on September 26, from 6-8 p.m. The event will showcase preliminary concepts for the LaGrange County Master Trails Plan, an initiative aimed at enhancing and expanding trail infrastructure throughout LaGrange County.

The Big Idea Open House will be held at the LaGrange County 4-H Fair Community Building, located at 1030 E 075 N, LaGrange. This event offers residents a chance to review and provide feedback on the preliminary goals and objectives that are shaping the future trail network in LaGrange County. Attendees can explore a display detailing the priorities and maps for ongoing trail development, informed by feedback from previous open houses in July and August. The display is expected to take about 30 minutes to explore.

This event marks a pivotal step in the development of the LaGrange County Master Trails Plan, an initiative aimed at enhancing safety, promoting outdoor recreation, and fostering connectivity through planning an expanded and well-designed trails network.  The plan will provide a strategy for developing and expanding multi-use biking and hiking trails. Currently, LaGrange County has seven miles of multi-use trails.

The LaGrange County Community Foundation, supported by a grant from Lilly Endowment’s Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) Phase VIII, hired HWC Engineering to bring the trails vision to life. The Foundation, in collaboration with LaGrange County Trails, and community stakeholders, is supporting the development of a trails “roadmap” that will enhance the quality of life in LaGrange County and provide a guide for community leaders to improve trail infrastructure and programs.

Big Idea Open House Highlights:

• Preliminary Concept Display: Attendees will have the opportunity to view and provide input on initial design concepts for future trails.
• Format: Guests are welcome to attend at their convenience and stay as long as they wish during the event.
• Interactive Stations: Engage with the HWC Engineering planning team and provide feedback through interactive stations.
• Community Forum: Speak with representatives of LaGrange County Trails and the LaGrange County Community Foundation staff to learn about initiatives to support trail development in LaGrange County.
• Refreshments and Activities: Enjoy complimentary fall refreshments, along with a kid’s activity area.
• Date & Time: September 26, 2024, from 6-8 p.m.
• Location: LaGrange County 4-H Fair Community Building, 1030 E 075 N, LaGrange.

“We are excited to share the preliminary concepts for the Master Trails Plan and gather feedback from the community,” said Octavia Yoder, Executive Director of the LaGrange County Community Foundation. “Support for continued trail development across the county is a key priority in the county’s comprehensive plan and we are committed to helping identify that roadmap.”

“Community input is crucial in ensuring that the Master Trails Plan meets the needs and aspirations of LaGrange County residents. We encourage everyone to join us at the Big Idea Open House and help us shape the future of our trails,” Yoder added.

The LaGrange County Community Foundation encourages all residents to invite their neighbors and share this event within the community.