FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Stillwater Hospice, Fort Wayne Trails, Inc., and the City of Fort Wayne announced that the construction is complete on the connection between the Liberty Mills Road Trail and the native prairie on Stillwater’s campus.
This connection will improve access to a 2-acre native prairie, a pond, and 3/4 mile of walking paths.
The following was released:
“Stillwater Hospice is pleased to be able to share our beautiful campus with those who seek nature’s calm,” said Leslie Friedel, CEO of Stillwater Hospice.
Not only is Stillwater’s campus a place of comfort and healing for people who use Stillwater’s services, it is also open to the public for community residents to enjoy, but many trail users were unaware of this fact, or unable to traverse the path connecting the public trail system to these amenities. This project included the installation of additional sidewalk, curb ramps, signage, a doggie pot, and bike parking.
Dawn Ritchie, Greenways Manager for the City of Fort Wayne said “We’re thrilled that we could partner with Stillwater Hospice to help make our trail system even better with this true example of a public-private partnership. Stillwater Hospice invested time, money, and a great deal of care to create this wonderful amenity for their clients to enjoy, and we’re grateful that they’re also willing to let our trail users enjoy this peaceful and serene place, allowing them to reconnect with nature.”
Trails are funded through a variety of sources including individual and corporate donations, grants, and matches. This connection was funded in large part by a Community Challenge Grant from AARP. This project was one of only 310 grantees selected (out of 3,600+ applications!) from across all 50 states, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“By connecting both the community and Stillwater residents, this project is a perfect example of the types of projects that we enjoy funding through AARP’s Community Challenge Grant program,” said Emily Gorman, AARP Indiana Director of Community Engagement.
“Making our communities more livable for people of all ages is a top priority for AARP Indiana and we’re excited to see the improved access to the trail do just that.”
“One of the best things about the Fort Wayne Trails network is the many locations that it connects.” said Megan McClellan, Fort Wayne Trails, Inc. “People can use the trails to get to work, school, restaurants, and more. The prairie and nature trail on Stillwater’s campus provides another great destination for people using the trail.”
A ribbon cutting will take place on Monday, November 13th at 1pm. Parking is available on Stillwater’s campus. Following the ribbon cutting there will be light refreshments and an opportunity to talk to representatives from Stillwater, Fort Wayne Trails Inc., the City of Fort Wayne, and AARP in Stillwater’s conference room.
For more details on other trail projects currently underway throughout Allen County, please visit Fort Wayne Trails’ trail project webpage.
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