RECREATION
like the Dogwood Festival are being held ,” Quyle said . “ The trailhead is located about two blocks from the main downtown business district , so we think it will help spur business growth .”
The Mitchell section was the second to open to the public . Radius celebrated its opening in late January .
As the project progresses , 2025 will be another busy year for the building of the Monon South Trail .
The organization will present a “ State of the Trail Summit ” in March to provide an update on the trail ’ s progress .
Quyle expects to open three more segments over the course of the year , including one in Salem . The section that will go from Deam Lake Road in Borden to New Pekin will span 10 miles with trailheads in both towns .
“ By building that 10-mile section , when it ’ s complete it will be one of the 15 longest trails in the state of Indiana by itself ,” he said .
The sections should be open by September or October , making about 20 miles of trail open to the public .
Radius Indiana is also applying for grants for the second phase of the Monon South Trail Project , Quyle said .
This phase will likely require at least $ 30 to $ 40 million to connect the segments .
“ It ’ s a very big project , and it ’ s a longterm project ,” he said .
The goal is to ultimately expand the trail into Bedford , but that will require the acquisition of additional property , he said . This would add another seven to 10 miles to the trail .
Quyle emphasized the health benefits of having a trail accessible for people to walk or cycle in Southern Indiana communities .
The Monon South Trail is the type of amenity that people are seeking in their communities , he said .
“ In Orleans , one lady came up to me and told me at the ribbon cutting that she moved to Orleans to have a house by the trail ,” Quyle said . “ So it ’ s a very attractive feature that ’ s going to benefit the community in many ways .”
The trail will also help with economic development , he said . Someone has already expressed interest in starting a bike repair and rental shop in Orleans , and another business plans to offer e-bike rental along the trail .
14 2025 WELCOME HOME SOUTHERN INDIANA