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 in progress
$2.9 million — Total investment in completed projects – $534,865 of which came from the Community Foundation of Elkhart County
9 — Events this summer, serving 11,143 people
10 — Organizations working on projects named in the Connect in Elkhart County master plan
12 — Miles of new trail being actively planned by the coalition
242,000 — Trips on Elkhart County trails counted in 2023, the last year for which these numbers are available
You likely have heard the name Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition over the last number of months and you’ll be seeing it more. We are rebranding our collective work to align past achievements with a vision for the future. What better way to honor the work of the Friends of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail and the 17-mile backbone of our county’s trail system, than to keep the name at the forefront of Elkhart County’s bike & pedestrian work. A full transition to this new name is being planned for the spring.
Moving forward, Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition will continue the work of partnering with our local governments to build and connect trails in Elkhart County. The organization is supported by the Community Foundation, and others, and will continue the work of the Connect in Elkhart County Bike-Pedestrian Master Plan.
As we enter a new season and a new year, I’m excited to continue our work of connecting more communities to Elkhart County’s exceptional trail network, together.
