The MYPath Trail System was created in 2016 with plans to it eventually connect the Family YMCA to McCormick’s Creek State Park with a walking/biking trail. Since its inception, the path has become an important connection between neighborhoods and downtown commerce and activity.
Currently, the MYPath Trail System is a network of shared sidewalks through the town. You may have noticed the MYPath banners hanging along main street as well at the logo painted on the mural on the former Spencer Coffeeshop. A MYPath trail pavilion stands in Cooper Commons near the Veterans Memorial Bridge across the White River.
By crossing the bridge, residents and visitors are following a path from neighborhood districts to natural wonders that make Owen County special. Past signs designating MYPath, a natural trail leads to river vistas, prime birdwatching area, wetlands restoration, and a lowland reforestation project. Notice and enjoy the StoryWalk project by the Owen County Library, providing a book along the path. In the future, the trail surface will be upgraded to make the path ADA accessible. Also, a bridge will cross Elliston Creek and allow visitors to cross into the MYPath Meadow, a prairie restoration project. Next the trail will continue to the DNR river access site and eventually to McCormick’s Creek State Park.
Experience the existing trail system during the weekly trail walk that starts next to the Owen County Soil and Water Conservation District office at 788 Pottersville Road, every Wednesday at 10 am. During spring and summer, join one of the First Friday trail walks, from different locations. Check MYPathtrail.org for updates. The MYPath Trail System Facebook Page also has updates. Help complete the trail by joining the Friends of MYPath organization.
Owen County Community Foundation continues to provide leadership for the MYPath Trail System with a MYPath Advisory Board, comprised of government and private sector leaders. Kyle Hannon will serve as Project Manager for MYPath, to coordinate efforts and advance the trail toward its goals. Hannon has served in many community development positions in different communities in Indiana. He has been involved with multiple bicycle trail projects and was Chairman of the Indiana Bicycle Trails Task Force.
His mother, Joanne, used to write about some of the wonders of Owen County for the Spencer Evening World, in her popular newspaper column, “My Window to Owen County’s Treasures.”
Kyle Hannon
MYPath Project Manager
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