Courtesy-IN.gov
VERNON, Ind. – The Town of Vernon was awarded $1,086,100 in 2021 from the second round of the Next Level Trails (NLT), an infrastructure grant program that accelerates the completion of major highway projects, expands access to rural broadband services, and pursues the expansion of rail projects in northwest Indiana.
At that time, officials said the grant money would be used to build 1.25 miles of new trail consisting of two contiguous but distinct segments in the Town of Vernon. A 0.5-mile natural-surface mountain bike and hiking trail will connect Vernon to Vinegar Mill Overlook in Muscatatuck Park. Within Vernon, a 0.75-mile asphalt trail will connect Vernon Gym to Vernon Commons, a historic park.
Now, four years later, newly elected Vernon Mayor Bradley Bender is hosting a ribbon cutting and formal opening for the Vernon Trail project on Saturday, April 26, at 7:30 a.m., just before the start of the Spring Tonic 5K run.
It will take place behind the Vernon Gym near the old Shelter House and the new Retaining Wall.
