Plans for Opening the Pennsy Trails 400 West to 300 West

Plans for Opening the Pennsy Trails 400 West to 300 West

What is next for the Pennsy Trails in Hancock County? Many people are interested in connecting the Pennsy Trails between Cumberland and Greenfield. See our website for info on how the trail was expanded and resources at 400W Eagle Station at 424 South 400 West, Greenfield IN 46140. The trail connects to the Indy section through Cumberland and Irvington to Ritter Ave, near Ellenberger Park. There is a route to the Indy Zoo and the Monon Trail on a map on our website.

The BAD news is we were not awarded the $955,819 Next Level Trails grant to design and construct 400 West to 300 West. This would have provided an 80% DNR state funding to complete this section with a 20% match.

The GOOD news is we were able to raise funding for the Pennsy Trails in 2023. Funding sources are from corporate, county, and personal donors, as well as community groups, and can be viewed on our Pennsy Trails website. This webpage provides all our donors since we started as a 501c3 nonprofit in 2014. We thank our donors for supporting this project to link our communities with an asset that will have lasting impact on our health and have economic impact.

The other GOOD news is, we already own or have an easement for trail access for the entire 400 West to 300 West section. More than one half of this section is covered by heavy brush and honeysuckle and will need to be cleared. This cost can be very high in clearing the trail for access and removing the brush off site.

The next step will then be to lay stone as a base for the trail. This will open the trail between 400 West and 300 West and provide a gravel surface. An asphalt cover over the gravel will not be done at this time as this can be very costly and can be considered at a later time.

We will be organizing resources to determine the cost and contractors to complete this work. We are looking for volunteers and additional donors to help this process. Even though a significant amount of funding was obtained in 2023, it will fall short of our need to clear and lay stone across the entire 400 West to 300 West section.

More information will be shared at the next Pennsy Trails of Hancock County Inc Board meeting on Sunday February 4^th from 2 till 4pm. This meeting is open to the public and will be located at the new location for the Community Foundation of Hancock County. Their address is at 971 W US Hwy 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. Bring a personal covered water bottle.

Contact us at pennsytrails@gmail.com if interested in supporting us as a volunteer:

Writing grants

Pennsy Trails Board member

Onsite Project Manager

Calling potential donors

Contacting potential contractors

Attending County Commissioners and Council Meetings

Help with a booth at community events

Writing newsletters

Fundraising events and activities

Send your donations to:

Pennsy Trails of Hancock County Inc.

PO Box 214 New Palestine IN 46163

www.pennsytrails.org