By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WINONA LAKE — Development of a bike park near the Grace College athletic fields by the Kosciusko Velo Cycling Club is picking up speed, and much of the construction could be underway this year.
Mike Cusick, president of the KVC, says they’ve already benefited greatly from two sources — Lilly Endowment and the Grace College Catalist Corridor program — and recently received more good news from the K21 Health Foundation.
KVC has already paid off the land purchase (phase 1) and has begun initial work on Phase 2, which includes key parts of the park.
The funding goal is $1.75 million, and Cusick said support through a matching grant from K21 Health Foundation would put the project in a strong position.
“So if we raise $375,000, they’ll match it and we will have that, in conjunction with the Catalyst Corridor, will give us the funds that we need to complete phase 2,” Cusick said in an interview with News Now Warsaw earlier this week for In The Know, the public affairs show you can hear on Kensington Digital Media radio stations.
Cusick and Rob Bishop, both of whom also happen to be on the Kosciusko County park and recreation board, talked about numerous bike-related issues.
The bike park, located along Pierceton Road, was proposed in 2023.
“It’s moving as fast as we hoped it could,” Cusick said. “It’s really going to come down to being able to complete as much of the park as we can.”
Once complete, the bike park will become a big part of the annual Fat & Skinny Bike Fest, and organizers are confident it will become a regional draw.
KVC celebrated the latest good news with a news release issued on Thursday.
“The Winona Lake Bike Park will be a great resource to promote healthy outdoor activities for residents in our community and region,” said Rich Haddad, President & CEO, K21 Health Foundation, in the news release.
“We’re excited to support this phase of the bike park and look forward to seeing the whole community come together to make the Winona Lake Bike Park a reality,” Haddad said.
Phase 2 construction began in January with the clearing of brush and undergrowth in the future wooded trail sections. Site preparation will continue this spring for drainage, utilities, and adding and shaping dirt to change the elevation profile of the bike park.
Sections of the bike park will begin taking shape this summer, with expected completion of Phase 2 of the Winona Lake Bike Park in early 2027, pending the completion of this fundraising round.
“Once we’ve raised these funds, the Bike Park will open by early next year, and we can start fundraising for our final phase for a pump track and clubhouse facility.”
The third phase will involve the construction of a Pump Track and Pavilion.
KCV Cycling is currently seeking donations, grants, and sponsorships for these fundraising phases. For more information about the Winona Lake Bike Park and donating, please visit kcvcycling.networkforgood.com or contact info@kcvcycling.org.
Other topics discussed on the radio show:
- Plans for a bike trail from Winona Lake to Pierceton are progressing.
- Officials want to see a bike lane be part of at least one underpass or overpass design if and when US 30 is reconstructed.
- State and federal funding have essentially dried up, but Bishop said they can turn to other sources.
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In The Know can be heard at the following times:
News Now Warsaw (99.7 FM and 1480 AM):
Fridays at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Saturdays at 7 a.m.
Sundays at 7 a.m. & 2 p.m.
WRSW (107.3):
Sundays at 6 a.m.
Willie (103.5 FM):
Sundays at 6 a.m.
