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$20,000 CVB grant helps fund Putnam Nature Trail, key link project of People Pathways
The Putnam County Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Tourism Asset Development (TAD) Grant program has invested $66,000 in the last year to support efforts that make Putnam County an even better place to live and visit. Expanding a section of the county’s People Pathways is the most recent TAD Grant investment.
“The $20,000 grant allows us to complete the Putnam Nature Trail/Key Link Project, a .35-mile underdeveloped segment of the former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor,” said People Pathways board member Joy Marley, who applied for the grant.
“This will extend People Pathways multi-use trail 3.4 miles in western Putnam County and result in a total of 14.6 miles of developed trail,” she added. “It extends our community’s ‘linear park’ and further develops the partnership creating the 150-mile, cross-state National Road Heritage Trail.”
Putnam County has more land in protected nature preserves than any Indiana county, and the CVB is focusing on nature tourism as one of three key areas to promote to potential visitors.
“People Pathways, and its Putnam Nature Trail/Key Link, are assets the Visitors Bureau will promote to define the county as pedestrian and bicycle-friendly,” Page Cotton, president of the CVB board, said.
“People from around the state and nation are drawn to west-central Indiana for the variety of attractions here,” Cotton said. “In Putnam County, in 2015, the last time we had research conducted, visitors spent $83.2 million for lodging, dining and shopping. TAD grants give nonprofits the resources they need to grow their programs, which encourages more people to visit and enjoy the county.”
State and nationwide research of communities that have successfully created a trail system reveals that marketing directed toward outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy bicycling, hiking, jogging and, in some areas, horseback riding, increase potential for attracting the “active lifestyle” visitor/family who appreciate the safety and continuity of a connected network of multi-use trails.
That reinforces another promotion area the CVB is focusing on – Putnam County’s horse-related amenities. The county’s extensive music culture is the third area the CVB promotes heavily to potential visitors.
“Putnam County is ideal for wildflower enthusiasts, star gazers, hikers, bikers, horseback riders and everyone who enjoys the widest variety of outdoor entertainment options,” said Eric Freeman, the CVB’s tourism director.
“This is the one place in Indiana that truly offers it all,” Freeman continued. “From Big Walnut Nature Preserve and its Hall Woods and Hemlock Ridge and Tall Timbers trails; along with the DePauw Nature Park; Fern Cliff Nature Preserve; Portland Mills; Glenn Flint Reservoir; Deer Creek Fish and Wildlife Area; Cataract Falls; nearby Lieber State Recreation Area; and much more, Putnam County has a true People Pathways is an example of how both residents and visitors benefit from the work accomplished through TAD grants.”
Established in 1995 as a volunteer-driven non-profit, the organization’s goal is developing a multi-use trail system within Putnam County that becomes a segment of the National Road Heritage Trail.
The CVB’s TAD Grant program provided $18,000 to help expand the Putnam County Museum, where the story of Putnam County is told through artifacts, themed exhibits and art. Funding also was provided for the Roachdale Mural. Ground was broken this week for the new bandshell at Robe-Ann Park, complementing the county’s vibrant music scene. The distinctive venue to highlight Putnam County’s strong culture of music was partially funded through a $20,000 TAD Grant for the pavilion, which will be the only bandshell in the surrounding area, increasing its allure for residents, as well as visitors.
“Projects like these enhance Putnam County’s image and offerings as a tourist destination,” Cotton added. “Visitors come here to enjoy great music, walk or hike our many nature preserves and sites, participate in equestrian sports, and experience unique agritourism such as Bugle Valley Elk Farm, Harris Sugar Bush and Hobbit Gardens. TAD grants provide resources to build or expand our attractions and increase the events and programs they host.”
TAD grants are designed to help support permanent projects, and one-time enhancements of existing venues, that attract visitors or enhance their experience while here. The application and guidelines are available on the CVB’s website.
Bureau staff welcome questions from prospective applicants, 653-8743 or GoPutnam@gmail.com.
The Putnam County Convention and Visitor Bureau, established in 1981 to promote the county’s events, venues and attractions to visitors from outside the county, pursues a mission of economic development focused on tourism. Governed by an 11-member board, the PCCVB operates the Visitors Center at 12 W. Washington St., Greencastle. Visit www.GoPutnam.com.