In 2023, Tri-State Trails embarked on a meaningful partnership with the City of Greendale, Indiana, to create a vision that will transform the community’s multi-modal connectivity and recreational opportunities – the Greendale Trails Action Plan. This transformative initiative received unanimous approval from the Greendale Redevelopment Commission in July, underscoring its significance. This comprehensive plan not only advocates for the enhancement of local and regional connectivity but also maps out the essential steps and financial strategies required for its successful execution.

A pivotal milestone in shaping the Action Plan was the establishment of a dedicated Steering Committee, uniting stakeholders from across Dearborn County and Southeast Indiana. This Committee played a pivotal role in fostering a collaborative coalition of partners who are ardently committed to facilitating connections to the Dearborn Trail and Tiger Trail, ensuring a network that is both inclusive and secure for a wide spectrum of users.

To lay a solid foundation for informed decision-making, Tri-State Trails conducted an extensive GIS inventory of both existing and proposed trails and bikeways. This resource served as the cornerstone for discussions and knowledge sharing within the Steering Committee. Additionally, site visits and meticulous mapping analyses were carried out to gain a deeper understanding of the current landscape within Greendale.

Key areas of emphasis within the study encompassed establishing a link between the Lawrenceburg segment of the Dearborn Trail and Greendale, forging connections from Greendale’s residential neighborhoods to the Tiger Trail and Dearborn Trail, and establishing a vital link from the Dearborn Trail to the Ohio state line. The ambitious vision for the Dearborn Trail aims to create a seamless, uninterrupted trail network from Rising Sun, IN, extending all the way to Shawnee Lookout Park. Ultimately, this network will connect Greendale, Lawrenceburg, and Aurora to each other and to the neighboring state of Ohio, creating a web of connectivity for the benefit of the entire region.

The culmination of this extensive planning endeavor saw the City of Greendale applying for a substantial $1.1 million grant through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Next Level Trails program. The purpose of this grant is to extend the existing 1.3-mile Tiger Trail from its current terminus near the Dearborn County Fairgrounds, stretching approximately 0.6 miles to Ridge Avenue, right into the heart of Greendale’s residential core. This extension aims to promote active, healthier lifestyles and elevate the overall quality of life for Greendale residents. The outcome of these grant applications will be disclosed in December 2023, holding the promise of a brighter and more connected future for the community.

Tri-State Trails’ extends our gratitude to our dedicated partners in Southeast Indiana for their commitment to completing the Dearborn Trail. Together, we are charting a course toward a future where connectivity and accessibility are at the forefront, ensuring a thriving and interconnected community for generations to come.