Board schedules site meetings and hires HWC for Chinworth Trailhead plan; will investigate state permit for proposed boat ramp

The Kosciusko County Department of Parks and Recreation Board on July 9 received a substantive update on the Chinworth Bridge Trailhead project and broader trail planning work across the county.

The board said HWC Engineering has been engaged to develop conceptual designs that can support fundraising and clarify permitting needs for park improvements, including canoe and kayak launch upgrades. Ali Dorey of HWC Engineering told the board the firm will provide design drawings and rough estimates to show the board’s vision to potential funders: "The idea behind the concept was to create a document that you can utilize to fundraise or do other activities along with the park area," Dorey said.

The board set an on‑site review with consultants for Aug. 4 at 2 p.m. and a virtual session on Aug. 14 to incorporate community feedback. Directors also reviewed a list of priority projects — the trail 'gap' between North Webster and Syracuse, the Pearson–Winona Lake loop, the Chinworth extension to Atwood and the Winona Lake loop — and volunteered to act as points of contact to maintain momentum as funding opportunities arise.

Community volunteers and local trail groups were discussed as partners. Steve (Friends of the Trails) reported a workday scheduled for Aug. 1 and noted robust vegetation regrowth at the park that will require continued maintenance and possible herbicide treatment; the county highway department offered a licensed applicator to assist if herbicide application is pursued.

During public comment a resident raised a proposal to improve a small boat ramp near a county site and said, "if it touches the water, we gotta have a state permit." The board agreed to investigate what Department of Natural Resources permits would be required and whether a narrower approach (bringing gravel to the water’s edge) could avoid the need for a full launch permit. Chair said he would look into the DNR permit process and report back.

Next steps: HWC will produce the conceptual materials before the Aug. 4 on‑site meeting; the board will follow up on permit research and coordinate with Perry‑area volunteer groups and local town boards when grant or engineering opportunities arise.