COLUMBIA CITY TRAILHEAD
GROUNDBREAKING
MARCH 17, 2010
COLUMBIA CITY TRAILHEAD GROUNDBREAKING
MARCH 17, 2010
Eel River Trail Project Gathers Steam
Contributions in the form of cash, building materials and labor are continuing to increase for the Eel River Trail project in Whitley County. (For a list of contributors, see the "Support" page and the "Columbia City Trailhead" pages of this website).
Health Related Businesses
Recognizing the importance of regular exercise, several large corporations in the region have begun their support for the Eel River Trail. These include: 1) Parkview Health System, regional and local hospital care organization; 2) Physician's Health Plan of Northern Indiana, a large non-profit insurer based in Fort Wayne, Indiana; and 3) Paragon Medical, Inc., an international medical products company headquartered in nearby Pierceton, Indiana. Additionally, more than half a dozen area medical professionals, including doctors and dentists, are supporting the project with their donations.
Construction Related Businesses and Trade Unions
It is said that building contractors are visionaries. This has been borne out by the number of area builders, suppliers, construction tradesmen and trade unions who have come forward to be involved in the Columbia City Trailhead, now under construction. Not only is the Eel River Trail a boon to good health, but the project helps preserve an element of the railroad history of Whitley County in the process.
Educational Institutions
Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, through its Engineering Technology Department, has generously granted permission to volunteer senior construction technology students to build the Columbia City Trailhead building. Future engineering projects in relation to the Eel River Trail project could be in the offing, for such appurtenances as pedestrian bridges as needed on the trail.
Municipal and Civic Organizations
The City of Columbia City has recognized that the new Columbia City Trailhead will actually serve three facilities. The first, is the users of the Blue River and Eel River Trails. The second, the restrooms, water fountains, etc. will enhance the City's Fire Museum next door to the Trailhead. Thirdly, the Trailhead will be accessible to Kenneth Wright Park, a neighborhood children's park adjacent to the new Trailhead.
The Whitley County Community Foundation (WCCF) was instrumental in the development of plans for the Columbia City Trailhead. WCCF supports many educational, artistic, recreational and other family oriented projects in Whitley County.
The participation of other civic and local community groups is also pending.
