Next Level Trails celebrates Tecumseh Trail opening

The DNR, Next Level Trails (NLT) and Warrick Trails, Inc. opened the recently completed Tecumseh Trail in Lynnville. The 2.1-mile asphalt trail winds through Lynnville Park alongside State Road 68, connecting the residents of Lynnville to Tecumseh Middle School, Tecumseh High School and the Museum of the Coal Industry. The trail is the community’s first paved multi-use trail intended for bicyclists and pedestrians.

The trail was made possible with a $394,674 NLT grant to Warrick Trails, a non-profit organization working to provide the community with safe walking and cycling routes and promote healthy lifestyles. Partners in the project include the Town of Lynnville, Warrick County Economic Development, Lynnville Community Bank, Peabody Energy, C. Richard Johnson & Verna Louise Johnson Foundation, Warrick County School Corporation, and more than 30 individual and corporate donors.

“Trails are an important investment in Hoosiers’ quality of life,” said Dan Bortner, DNR director. “The Next Level Trails program is proud to partner with organizations like Warrick Trails to create new opportunities for recreation and exercise.”

Steve Roelle, a member of the Warrick Trails Board, praised the convenience the trail brings about.

“Creating a safe connection between the town and the school has been a longstanding priority, Roelle said. “We’re grateful for the many partnerships that helped to make this trail possible.”

Stacy Tevault, Lynnville Town Council president, said the trail is an attractive amenity for the town.

“It’s a beautiful trail,” Tevault said. “We’re excited to showcase all that our community has to offer for visitors and residents alike.”

As part of Gov. Eric J. Holcomb’s Next Level Connections initiative, NLT is the largest infusion of trails funding in state history. The $150 million program is administered by the DNR and facilitates critical trail connections within and between Hoosier communities.

Warrick Trails was awarded funding for the Tecumseh Trail as part of the first round of NLT, which Gov. Holcomb announced in May 2019. To date, NLT has awarded nearly $54.3 million to 35 projects across the state to facilitate the development of more than 100 miles of new trail.

Including the Tecumseh Trail, seven NLT projects are complete.

Applications for the third round of NLT are due to the DNR by Dec. 1. The third round includes funding for up to $35 million for local and regional trails. More information about NLT is at on.IN.gov/NextLevelTrails.