New trail set to open Saturday
—by John Hodge, Senior Staff Writer, Courier Times (C-T photo Emily J. Reynolds)
LEWISVILLE — Two hundred years ago Indiana was not yet a state. But plans were already being formed for a road that would connect Richmond, Indianapolis and Terre Haute.
On Saturday one segment of another such road will open in Henry County. The National Road Heritage Trail from Lewisville to Raysville will have its "grand opening" ceremony with a "Treading for Trails" 5K walk/run.
As was the case of the National Road in 1809, this trail will have no motorized traffic - except for power wheelchairs. It is for walkers, runners and bicyclists.
Healthy Communities of Henry County has been the leading organization to get this trail open. It is part of Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels' plan for a continuous non-motor trail across the state.
"Someday it will be possible to walk or bicycle from Terre Haute to Richmond without seeing a motor vehicle," said Beverly Matthews, a spokesperson for HCHC.
There has been a grant of $650,000 from the state of Indiana for the trail project.
"The state would not help fund this project unless there is a bonafide organization which would be responsible for maintenance of the trail," Matthews said. "Trails like this are the up-and-coming thing in economic development and 'green' projects. They promote healthy activity and make the county attractive to potential employers."
The National Road Heritage Trail has been forged along an abandoned railroad corridor. It is 10 feet wide and its bed is made of crushed stone. The entry ramps are asphalt.
The trail has been in the planning for more than six years, led by Jeff Ray, HCHC Board member and Henry County Trails project leader.
"Jeff is Henry County's No. 1 trailblazer," Matthews said. "He's helped get the grants, stayed in touch with the Department of Natural Resources, and seen to all the details."
Ray is having a final meeting today with the construction manager to make sure everything is buttoned down for Saturday's opening.
"I've been out of town for a week," Ray said Thursday. "But the construction manager tells me that everything is ready. I'm very thankful that the state of Indiana and the DNR have been so supportive. They're the ones who provided the funds for us."
State Sen. Beverly Gard, R-Greenfield, is scheduled to be present for Saturday's festivities. Other dignitaries expected are State Trails Coordinator Dale Briar and Grant Coordinator Bob Bronson.
"Senator Gard was the first person to respond when we were seeking state help for this project," Matthews said.
[Ed. Note: This event took place on August 29, 2009. monitor this site for information on registration for next years event.]Registration still open
Matthews emphasized that people can still register for Saturday's walk/run. Forms are available a the Henry County YMCA and the Healthy Communities Web site, www.hchcin.org. Registration will still be open at the scene early Saturday.
An opening ceremony is set for 8:45 a.m. and the walk/run begins at 9 a.m. The trail begins at the South Henry Wastewater District, 301 S. Williams St. in Lewisville.
The course goes westward and returns for a round trip total of 5K or 3.1 miles. That's approximately the same distance as a high school cross country course.
The trail is part of the state's Hoosiers on the Move project. The Indiana DNR oversees statewide development of trails and greenways, but local established organizations such as HCHC become responsible when trails are opened for their communities.