LaGrange County Trails and the LaGrange County Community Foundation are inviting community members to attend an upcoming public input meeting to learn more about the Hawpatch Trail project, view the preliminary design, ask questions, and provide feedback. Two meeting opportunities will be offered in September at the Topeka Public Library Community Room.
The same information will be presented at both meetings, allowing community members to choose the time that works best for them.
The Hawpatch Trail is a proposed 17-mile multi-use trail connecting communities in LaGrange County with neighboring trail systems. The trail is envisioned as a connection between Noble County’s Fishing Line Trail and Elkhart County’s Connect in Elkhart Trail. The first two phases will encompass approximately 10 miles of the planned trail in and around Topeka.
The project is now moving through design and engineering for its first two phases. With the former railroad corridor secured, the project team is now working to translate the overall trail vision into a detailed design.
The preliminary design will give community members a closer look at what the trail could look like and how it will connect with the surrounding community. While the trail route has been established, there are still many design elements to consider. Community members will have an opportunity to share ideas and feedback on features such as rest areas and seating, trailheads, parking and access, amenities, safety, signage, recreation opportunities, and connections to nearby businesses and community destinations.
“We have spent a lot of time getting the project to this point, and now we want to bring the community into the process in a meaningful way,” said Jeff Wingstrom, president of LaGrange County Trails. “These meetings aren’t just about presenting information. We want people to look at the preliminary design, ask questions, and tell us what they think.”
The trail is being developed to provide opportunities for walking, bicycling, recreation, and community connections, while also creating potential benefits for local businesses, tourism, and quality of life.
Tuesday, September 1 | 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 10 | 3:00 p.m.
Topeka Public Library – Community Room
133 N. Main St.
Topeka, IN 46571
All community members are encouraged to attend, whether they have been following the Hawpatch Trail project from the beginning or are just learning more about it.
For questions about the public meetings, contact Emily Evers at 260-463-4363 or eevers@lccf.net.
For more information about the Hawpatch Trail, visit LaGrangeCountyTrails.org.
