Wow what a year. We’re doing the math and are amazed at all that’s been accomplished, thanks in no small part to the hard work and support of coalition partners. Here are some of the numbers: 3.35 — Miles of new trail since 2022, with 4.25 more miles improved. One bridge and 1 new mile are […]
Karla Beasley, a longtime community leader with a career at Goshen Health and Wellfield Botanic Gardens, is the new assistant director of the Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition. Living just a half mile from an access point, Karla and her family use the trails nearly every day, all year long. “It’s one of the reasons we remain
Karla Beasley Joins the Team Read More »
This fall, two major improvement projects were completed on the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail in Goshen. A previously unpaved 1.8-mile section of the trail between S.R. 4 (Lincoln Avenue) and C.R. 28 was paved, offering a smoother and more consistent experience for everyone who uses it. This upgrade makes it easier to navigate for cyclists, walkers, joggers,
Improvements to the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail Read More »
A new pedestrian and bicycle bridge over U.S. 33 in Goshen is nearly complete and will provide a safe crossing for trail users and enhance the overall connectivity of Elkhart County’s growing trail network. This important addition addresses a significant safety concern by allowing walkers, runners, and cyclists to avoid navigating busy highway traffic. The
New Bridge Improves Safety and Accessibility for Trail Users Read More »
In the coming year the Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition intends to convene local bicycle and pedestrian advocates regularly, to discuss issues affecting their communities. Initially, the cities of Elkhart and Goshen, and the Wakarusa-Nappanee area will be prioritized. Other community groups in Bristol, Millersburg and Middlebury will spin up after the initial set forms. If you
Convening Community Advocates Read More »
The Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition has highlighted the ongoing need for support to maintain and improve trails in Elkhart County. These trails provide a beautiful connection to nature and our communities, but they require regular care to remain safe and accessible. Unfortunately, funding from state and federal sources for such maintenance is extremely limited, making local
Help Support Elkhart County’s Trails Read More »
At its annual meeting, the Goshen Chamber of Commerce gave the Friends of the Pumpkinvine the Community Service Award. We were thrilled to be honored in this way. It’s a testament to the hard work so many people have done over more than three decades. Thanks to all of you and to the Chamber for
Honored by the Goshen Chamber Read More »
From June 7 to 15, we celebrated the completion of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail after more than three decades of work. After years of working and hoping, the final stretch of trail was completed last fall and we focused on planning a summer celebration. At First Friday in Goshen, we celebrated bicycling and enjoyed a
Celebrating the Pumpkinvine Read More »
The Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG) got a big boost to help plan a possible trail connecting Mishawaka and Elkhart. In June, MACOG was awarded a federal RAISE grant totaling $816,800. This grant gives momentum to the effort to plan the 11-mile connection between Mishawaka’s Riverwalk and Elkhart’s River Greenway. When constructed, it will
Planning a Mishawaka-Elkhart Trail Read More »
On June 25, more than 65 community members attended a workshop at the Nappanee Public Library to discuss a visionary multi-use trail connecting Nappanee and Wakarusa. The workshop cultivated lively discussion about moving the project forward in the community. The project Steering Committee, consisting of residents and representatives from nonprofits and various governmental agencies, was
WaNee Trail Workshop draws a crowd Read More »