The University of Southern Indiana, in collaboration with Trelcru Inc., broke ground Monday, March 6 on the construction of a one-acre mountain bike park on the west side of the USI campus. The section of flow trail, which will be built by Trelcru trail builders in collaboration with Trail Heads – Southwest Indiana, will include three downhill runs complete with dirt jumps and bermed corners, offering beginner, intermediate and expert level experiences. These trails, funded through a $25,000 grant toward the project from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation, will become the first dedicated mountain bike trails on campus and are expected to be completed this spring.
Trail Heads – Southwest Indiana first received approval from the University of Southern Indiana and its Board of Trustees to move forward with a mountain bike trail project in fall 2021 and began raising funds for the project. Trail Heads – Southwest Indiana is a non-profit focused on developing quality trails and support programs throughout southwest Indiana, including after-school group rides, bike maintenance and trail work.
“Trelcru is honored to have the opportunity to develop trails and bike parks on the USI campus. We believe this project will improve the well-being and overall experience of University students and the greater community,†said Brad Scales, Principal of Trelcru Inc.
Trail Heads – Southwest Indiana also announced a fundraising effort underway to raise matching funds for a $50,000 state grant that would enable a second phase of trails to be built on the USI campus. The matching grant from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) would help fund the construction of the 2.75-mile Campus Loop and 0.5-mile Broadway Connector Trail, as well as trailhead kiosks and trail signage. The fundraising campaign, which has already secured more than $15,000 in donations, is hosted at patronicity.com/usi, and Trail Heads is currently seeking corporate and individual donations to help reach the matching goal of $50,000. Donations are being accepted until 9 a.m. Friday, March 24. “We’re thrilled to be participating in the CreatINg Places program, and we’re confident our community will help us raise the matching dollars for this grant from IHCDA,†said Scales.
The new single-track loop, with beginner-level features, would be constructed on more than 30 acres of wooded area adjacent to campus apartments and connecting to other existing trails on campus, including the paved USI-Burdette Trail.
“We look forward to collaborating with Trelcru and Trail Heads on this project that will create an experience not found in most Midwestern college campuses,†said Jim Wolfe, USI Director of Facility Operations and Planning. “We hope to draw more of the community, near and far, to the USI campus, while also providing more outdoor recreational activities for our students.â€
