Fort Wayne Trails donates $25,000 to connect district sidewalk to Union Chapel Trail

Superintendent Mr. Barker introduced representatives from Fort Wayne Trails as the board paused to accept recognition related to a community trail project.

"This particular donation comes...from a portion of a gift from Parkview Regional Medical Center," Fort Wayne Trails executive director Mr. Castleman said as he presented a $25,000 check to the district for connecting sidewalks to the Union Chapel Trail. He told the board the trail project was designed in 2017 and that construction is "slated to start this summer."

Mr. Barker said the sidewalk connection will improve campus safety by directing foot traffic away from parking lots and toward the trail and existing internal sidewalks. Fort Wayne Trails vice chair Matt Buchard and director of community engagement James Hollum joined the presentation.

District leaders said the contribution comes through Fort Wayne Trails and donor channels; the board thanked the organization and acknowledged the project’s role in campus safety and community connectivity. Staff said the district previously donated a road right-of-way to Allen County in January 2025 and that the new sidewalk will finish the internal link to Maple Creek and the Union Chapel Trail.

Board members and staff said they expect the work to complement existing district walking routes and improve student access to off-campus trails once construction is complete.