A few years ago the historic entrance to the park was extensively restored by Volunteer, Ernie Carlson of Knox. Great Job! Thanks, Ernie!
Wythogan, Knox’s main city park is wonderful asset that has improved gradually over the years. One of the great improvements was the walking trail. 100% of the credit should go to Jim Shilling for getting this done with an Indiana Department of Transportation grant. This wide, well-paved trail starts at the relocated/ remodeled historic train station east of US 35 on the banks of the Yellow River and ends at the relocated railroad bridge at the north terminus of Main Street. The trail goes under highway 35 and follows the banks of the river then curves around to follow the west boundary of the park and then curves through a very nice mature mixed hardwood forest, then up a hill to the bridge. On a summer day you can get a nice nature walk while also seeing the town’s kids at play on the ball diamonds. It is a very pleasant walk. I guess it is about 3/4ths of a mile.
One unfortunate consequence of the funding was that the Transportation Department would only pay for a trail from point A to point B. In other words, they wouldn’t pay for a loop. And people really do prefer to walk a loop. Fortunately, it would be rather easy to add to the trail to make an exact 1-mile loop.
1. Start at present trail in Northeast corner of the Park next to US 35 where the path emerges from under the highway 35 bridge.
2. Go South parallel to US 35 to the old railroad right-of-way. (Picture on Top Below.)
3. Go West on right-of-way to Main Street Bridge. (Middle Picture Below)
4. Swing up embankment to South Trail Head (Bottom Picture Below)
(click on any picture for larger view)
Start at 35 Bridge
West on Right-of-Way
Join at Main St Bridge
This would involve about a ¼ mile of paving. A row of trees could be planted on each side of the old railroad right of way to create a beautiful walkway.
I would love to hear from members of the park board regarding their views on such a project. I also would like to hear from the rather new organization, Friends of the Park. Let me thank the Friends for their involvement in the Park Improvement. How can the readers of this blog help you succeed in your next park improvement project? How can we join the Friends?
4 comments:
First of all i want to applaud you for the recognition that you have given to the Mr Shilling and Mr Small. I believe both to be true gentlemen and assets to our community.
I love the idea of the walking trail looping through instead of having to retrace and I will continue to monitor this sight in hopes of receiving information on how to join friends of the park.
Who's Mr. Small?
I assume the writer meant Mr Ernie Carlson, as refered to my the original post. (Perhaps this writer made an unconscious connection to the old Ernie's Fireside Inn owned by a Mr. Small.)?
I am not a member of the Park Board but I am aware of the humble beginnings of the organization called the Friends of the Park. This organization was begun some years ago by our current Mayor. The group works on a "project" at a time; the current one being the completion of the Skateboard Park. Last year the Friends hosted the Knox Harvest Festival.
http://home.earthlink.net/~knoxfestival/
The members meet at the Community Center on the first Wednesday of every month at 7pm and would love to have more help or interested bodies!
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