Jeff Wingstrom, a 41-year resident of LaGrange County, recently talked with us about his work as president of LaGrange County Trails. Wingstrom grew up in LaPorte, Ind., and graduated from Valparaiso University with a degree in biology. He retired from the Indiana State Department of Health as an environmental scientist after 45 years. He and his wife of 50 years, Marilyn, have three children and six grandchildren. They enjoy biking, reading and all watersports.
Q: What started your love for bike trails in LaGrange County?
A: My wife, Marilyn, and our children always loved riding our bikes; however, as our roads became busier and with larger vehicles, we stopped riding. One day we rode the Pumpkinvine Trail, and I realized there was a safe, enjoyable way to bike instead of on our dangerous county roads. That is when I fell in love with the idea of more bike trails in our county.
Q: How did LaGrange County Trails get started? What’s your mission?
A: We started with a small group of citizens and stakeholder meetings to discuss how to begin developing bike trails. This led, in December of 2018, to incorporation, our first meeting in January of 2019, and obtaining our 501(c)(3) non-profit status later that summer. Our nonprofit is comprised of a nine-member board whose mission is to create countywide, public, non-motorized multipurpose, bike/pedestrian recreational trails in LaGrange County. Our motto is: “Connecting people with nature.”
The Hawpatch Trail is our first planned trail, which will be constructed for the safety and quality of life of our community, not only for those who will benefit today, but for succeeding generations.
Q: Why did LaGrange County Trails decide to pursue a new trail system in Topeka?
A: It is estimated 800 workers bike into Topeka five days a week. This would get many of those workers off dangerous and busy county roads and provide them with a safe way to commute to work. There are several Amish schools along the route, giving those children a safer way to get to school. The proposed 17-mile bike/pedestrian Hawpatch Trail will connect Wolcottville, Topeka and Millersburg, spanning three towns and three counties, so not only commuters, but recreational bikers and pedestrians will have a safe place to exercise.
We also chose this route because the Norfolk and Southern Railroad Company owns approximately 90% of the land and we thought it would be relatively easy to acquire.
Q: What is the status of the Hawpatch Trail?
A: At this time a purchase agreement has been negotiated with the Norfolk and Southern Railroad and we are waiting for their signature. After that, the land will be surveyed, which will take at least six months and then we will close on the property.
Q: What is your future hope for trails in LaGrange County?
A: Bike trails are being developed all over our state and our nation. They provide proven economic benefits to the communities that have them. People come from all over to ride, walk and run on trails. Communities consider them as one of their best assets. Property values increase when they are located near a trail. My hope is we can develop a trail system in LaGrange County that will connect our towns and parks and connect to the trails being developed in our adjacent counties. I hope they will provide years of safe recreational opportunities for everyone and will provide a way for locals and visitors to explore and learn about our communities.
Q: What legacy do you hope to leave?
A: That to the best of my abilities and with the help of many other people, LaGrange County Trails develops something current and future generations will use to discover the beauty and unique character that is our county.
Q: What are ways people in LaGrange County can help?
A: They can advocate for bike/pedestrian trails to their elected officials and to their friends and neighbors. We are currently working with the LaGrange County Community Foundation on developing a county wide bicycle/pedestrian trail plan. They can participate in and attend the public meetings and give their input on the location of future trails at one of the three upcoming forums:
Bicycle/Pedestrian Trail Plan Public Meetings
- LaGrange, The Garage Community Center, July 25, from 6-8 p.m.,
- Shipshewana, Wolfe Community Building, August 6, from 3-5 p.m.,
- Mongo, Mongo United Methodist Church, August 6, from 6-8 p.m.
Lastly, but most importantly, they can donate to the Hawpatch Trail Fund at the Community Foundation. Thanks to a generous grant from Lilly Endowment, the LaGrange County Community Foundation will match donations for the trail $1 for $1 through Dec. 31, 2025.
