Parke Trails Project Making Big Strides — First Phase Nearly Complete

ROSEDALE, Ind. – Big things are happening along the trail in Parke County. The Parke Trails Alliance is hard at work building a multi-phase trail system that will give residents and visitors alike a safer, more scenic way to walk, run, or bike through the countryside—and the project is gaining momentum.

The first phase of the trail, which stretches from the Parke-Vigo County line at Lambert Avenue to Big Raccoon Creek, is nearly finished. A unique railcar bridge has already been installed in Rosedale and the final landscaping and signage will be completed soon.

Up Next: Phase 2 Brings New History and More Miles
Construction on Phase 2 kicked off last spring. This 2.5-mile stretch will include a special feature: the historic Whipple Truss bridge, which was carefully removed from its original location near Bridgeton, restored, and will be placed along the trail as a working bridge. It’s not just about transportation—it’s about celebrating local history and giving it new life.

Volunteers have already helped clear the trail path ahead of schedule, making way for the bridge work and trail-building to begin as soon as the weather allows. With a little luck and a lot of coordination, Phase 2 should be finished by the end of the year.

Clearing the Way for More Trail in the Future
While Phase 2 gets going, the team has already started clearing trees for Phase 3, and work is beginning on trail design for Phase 4. That means even more miles of connected, beautiful trail are on the horizon for Parke County.

Land surveys, route adjustments, and property negotiations are all part of the process. In some cases, the original trail plan has shifted as landowners' needs have changed, but thankfully, other community members have stepped up to offer land access, helping keep the project on track.

Weathering Cost Hikes with Creative Solutions
Like many big projects across the country, the trail system has been hit with rising construction costs. Materials like gravel, asphalt, and steel have all gone up in price—some as much as two and a half times higher than they were just a few years ago. Labor costs have also climbed.

Rather than let those challenges slow them down, the Parke Trails Alliance is finding creative ways to stretch their dollars. That includes scaling back on asphalt in favor of more natural surfaces, simplifying some trailhead amenities, and relying on community volunteers whenever possible.

"We’re doing everything we can to make the most of our Next Level Trails funding and build as many miles of trail as we can. This trail is for everyone, and we want to get it open and ready for people to enjoy,” Parke Trails Alliance Board Member Mark Davis said. 
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This trail project is about more than just transportation. It’s about creating spaces where people can connect with nature, with each other, and with the communities they call home. And thanks to the hard work of the Parke Trails Alliance and the support of local residents, that vision is getting closer every day.

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