ROSEDALE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— The Indiana Department of Natural Resources, along with Parke Trails Alliance, announced that phase one of the Parke Community Rail Trail opened on Tuesday.
The 2.6-mile segment of trail was constructed by the Parke Trails Alliance with help from a $5,000,000 dedicated grant given by the Department of Natural Resources. The trail stretches from Big Raccoon Creek through Rosedale and to the Vigo County line. The section also includes a repurposed railcar that was used to be transformed into a cost-effective bridge.
“Hoosiers overwhelmingly tell us that hiking and getting out on trails is their favorite form of outdoor recreation,” said Allen Hurst, DNR trails manager. “Trails like the Parke Community Rail Trail provide a great way for Hoosiers to get outside, and at DNR, we’re proud to support their construction.”
When the trail is fully complete, it will add more than eight miles of trail stretching between the Rockville Depot and the Vigo County line, connecting multiple cities in the process. The project as a whole will use portions of the former Vandalia Railroad, along with eight bridges and four trailheads.
“Phase 1 is officially opening! This is the first of four phases of construction in completing the Parke Community Rail Trail,” said Parke Trails Alliance board member Mark Davis. “This project is about more than just building a trail. It’s about creative use of resources, local partnerships, and developing something that will benefit residents and visitors for generations.”
The Department of Natural Resources has now led the largest infusion of funding for trails in Indiana history, with $180,000,000 in dedicated funding administered to facilitate critical trail connections within and between Hoosier communities. The DNR stated that 49 of the 89 projects that were provided funds have been finished, and another 19 have started construction. With phase 1’s opening, more than 145 miles of trail have been built since the program’s inception.
