Karla Beasley, a longtime community leader with a career at Goshen Health and Wellfield Botanic Gardens, is the new assistant director of the Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition. Living just a half mile from an access point, Karla and her family use the trails nearly every day, all year long. “It’s one of the reasons we remain in Middlebury,” she says. From …
This fall, two major improvement projects were completed on the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail in Goshen. A previously unpaved 1.8-mile section of the trail between S.R. 4 (Lincoln Avenue) and C.R. 28 was paved, offering a smoother and more consistent experience for everyone who uses it. This upgrade makes it easier to navigate for cyclists, walkers, joggers, and families with strollers in …
A new pedestrian and bicycle bridge over U.S. 33 in Goshen is nearly complete and will provide a safe crossing for trail users and enhance the overall connectivity of Elkhart County’s growing trail network. This important addition addresses a significant safety concern by allowing walkers, runners, and cyclists to avoid navigating busy highway traffic. The bridge, which was primarily funded …
In the coming year the Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition intends to convene local bicycle and pedestrian advocates regularly, to discuss issues affecting their communities. Initially, the cities of Elkhart and Goshen, and the Wakarusa-Nappanee area will be prioritized. Other community groups in Bristol, Millersburg and Middlebury will spin up after the initial set forms. If you or someone you know would …
The Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition has highlighted the ongoing need for support to maintain and improve trails in Elkhart County. These trails provide a beautiful connection to nature and our communities, but they require regular care to remain safe and accessible. Unfortunately, funding from state and federal sources for such maintenance is extremely limited, making local contributions vital. Currently, our trails …
At its annual meeting, the Goshen Chamber of Commerce gave the Friends of the Pumpkinvine the Community Service Award. We were thrilled to be honored in this way. It’s a testament to the hard work so many people have done over more than three decades. Thanks to all of you and to the Chamber for all your support.
November 12, 2024 Dear Pumpkinvine Nature Trail supporter, I hope that you are enjoying the turn-of-season, both outdoors and in. Over the years the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail has become an integral part of our communities. This is one of the most beautiful fall seasons in recent memory and for many, the trail is a serene escape into nature. We are …
From June 7 to 15, we celebrated the completion of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail after more than three decades of work. After years of working and hoping, the final stretch of trail was completed last fall and we focused on planning a summer celebration. At First Friday in Goshen, we celebrated bicycling and enjoyed a great concert by The Steel …
The Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG) got a big boost to help plan a possible trail connecting Mishawaka and Elkhart. In June, MACOG was awarded a federal RAISE grant totaling $816,800. This grant gives momentum to the effort to plan the 11-mile connection between Mishawaka’s Riverwalk and Elkhart’s River Greenway. When constructed, it will complete a continuous 58-mile multi-use …
A collaboration between multiple governmental and nonprofit agencies will soon result in the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail being paved from Goshen’s Abshire Park at Lincoln Avenue/S.R. 4 to C.R. 28. Construction will be complete before October of this year, but a start date will be determined by the contractor. The City of Goshen, Community Foundation of Elkhart County and Friends of …
On June 25, more than 65 community members attended a workshop at the Nappanee Public Library to discuss a visionary multi-use trail connecting Nappanee and Wakarusa. The workshop cultivated lively discussion about moving the project forward in the community. The project Steering Committee, consisting of residents and representatives from nonprofits and various governmental agencies, was able to collect valuable must-haves …
Construction of a giant pedestrian bridge over three train tracks and five lanes of traffic is underway. This is almost certain to be the largest pedestrian bridge in Elkhart County. It will cost roughly $6 million and take a year to build. But by next fall, you’ll be able to walk from the MapleHeart Trail along Wilden Avenue, up Missouri …
