It was a great honor to represent Merrillville yesterday (April 30, 2024) at the new Trail dedication along with Gov. Eric Holcomb and other local officials. It seems like we have had the Indiana Governor here more often during his term in office than all other Governors combined! I feel like Lake County is back on the map and although we have our own central time zone, it feels like the state is recognizing us again; and that’s a great feeling and can only strengthen our position as a leading county in Indiana.
It was years in the making, and well worth the wait. Gov. Eric Holcomb joined Merrillville, state, and county officials on Tuesday, April 30, to dedicate the extension of the C&O Trail in Merrillville and Lake County. Merrillville received a $1.4 million grant through the state’s Next Level Trails program to build the 1.35-mile extension. Connected to the project is a 1.47-mile segment of Lake County Parks constructed using more than $800,000 in Next Level Trail funding.
The extended path marks the 100th mile of trail built with Next Level Trail funding. “Today just kind of proves big things can be done in Indiana, big things should be done, big things are needed to be done, and this is just proof positive that when we do come together…we can do what’s not been done before,” Holcomb said.
Merrillville Town Council President Rick Bella said the project shows how important it is to develop partnerships to accomplish major goals. “Projects of this magnitude require collaboration, dedication, and a shared vision,” Bella said. “Each of you gathered here today has demonstrated these qualities, and your efforts have translated into a lasting asset for our community. This trail extension will be enjoyed by generations to come, serving as a testament to the impact of the collective effort.”
The town’s portion of the project extends the trail from the Innsbrook Country Club and heads north to meet the Lake County Parks’ section west of Hendricks Street. Holcomb said the C&O Trail, like many trails in Indiana, provides connections to municipalities, communities, and other areas. Bella agrees with the statement. “This extension not only enhances our local C&O Trail but also contributes to the broader connectivity of trails, including the expansive Erie Lackawanna Trail,” he said.
Lake County Park Board President Chris Dilts said the County Parks Department is thankful it could collaborate with the state and Merrillville on the trail extension. “It’s an honor to be present for the completion of another trail,” Dilts said.
Bella said Merrillville began pursuing the project about five years ago under the visionary leadership of former Merrillville Town Manager Bruce Spires. Steve King, Merrillville’s Engineering Administrator/Street Department Director, took the lead after Spires retired, and he was assisted by Planning and Building Director Sheila Shine and Matt Lake, Executive Director of the Stormwater Management Utility, to see the extension come to completion.
It was so great seeing walkers and bike riders use the trail immediately after Gov. Holcomb cut the ribbon officially opening the trial. I look forward to riding my bike on the trail very soon. I hope residents from many communities enjoy it. -Rick Bella, Town Council President and Ward 5 Representative