PROJECT

Trails

Many partners are working to assure strong quality of life for residents through trail expansion and creation.

The Trails Project Management Team (PMT) convenes at minimum twice per year to ensure all parties are aware of upcoming infrastructure and mobility projects. They review proposed plans to ensure projects align with the goals set forth in the city/county bike and pedestrian plan, advocate for future trail projects impacting the overall community, and recommend specific projects to the Next Muncie leadership team as funding opportunities become available.

Recently, the Trails PMT has participated in several important initiatives. The optimal route and design features were defined for the first phase of the Muncie Arts & Culture Trail, which will connect the Ball State campus to downtown Muncie. The PMT provided recommendations to Next Muncie leadership team for priority trail projects to include in the state’s Next Level Trails and READI programs funding requests. The PMT also explored potential funding strategies for the Cardinal Greenways trail gap between Gas City and Taylor University.

Trails Project Management Team

Jeff Bird, IU Health | Next Muncie liaison

Representatives from Community Organizations:

Ball State University
Delaware County Office of Information and GIS Services
Cardinal Greenways
Delaware County Commissioners
City of Muncie Engineering Department
Delaware-Muncie Metropolitan Plan Commission
Town of Yorktown

COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIP

Project Initiatives

Riverside-Jackson Trail

Capitalizing on Muncie’s natural assets, trail projects aim to promote general wellness and connectivity throughout the city, county, and into neighboring counties.

The Riverside-Jackson Trail is a 1.2 mile trail connecting residential and commercial districts to Ball State University and IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital campuses. The trail provides quality of place improvements in an area lacking safe pedestrian travel routes including:

Storm water improvements
Reconstruction of Riverside Avenue
Planting of over 80 native trees

Canoe & Kayak Launches

In addition to advocating for traditional trail infrastructure, the PMT has been coordinating with local partners to plan and build canoe and kayak launches to provide access to the White River. Recent launches have opened at the Kitselman Trailhead and at Barlow Landing, off Luick Avenue.

Arts & Culture Trail

As part of Ball State University’s plan to revitalize the Village, a portion of the awarded Lilly Endowment grant has been allocated to the first phase of the Muncie Arts & Culture Trail. This trail will connect Ball State’s cultural attractions and venues and the Village with Downtown Muncie.