Park Commissioners Susan M. Bruder and Daniel Sheridan have signed a purchase sale agreement with CSX Transportation Inc. to buy a 12 mile abandoned rail corridor west of town.
The deal was struck Thursday at the park commission’s board meeting.
Director Karen Kelley said, "This is a milestone for us. Long before I became director there have been efforts to buy this strip of land. One delay after another blocked progress. Just 3 months ago we were at this point and then another delay was encountered regarding a missing parcel. Now we have passed that hurdle and are on our way to creating Marion County's first recreational trail.”
The park district is now in the process of preparing a scope of work package
for a Phase II environmental survey.
Once the survey is complete, which should be in the spring of 2009, and barring any technical or safety issues, the title will be transferred.
Work on the railtrail will begin immediately notes director Kelley. "We will be looking for volunteers in the spring to clear the trail and transform this property and the trailhead into a beautiful place to visit."
