07-19-2007 Riverside Trail officially opens; next phase by fall 2008

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river and interact more." Riverside Trail, Robert said, "is going to make our neighborhood a more friendly, more vibrant and interactive place." The trail winds its way through the South Bend Common Council's 1"District, where Council member Derek D. Dieter has been an advocate for alternative transportation corridors. "One of my major campaign focuses when I ran initially for council was I wanted to establish rails to trails. This fits perfectly into what I envisioned," Dieter said. "It's great for young and old everyone to enjoy the river and get some exercise in a safe and accommodating atmosphere." The views of the St. Joseph River opened up by the trail construction are another dramatic impact of the Riverside Trail. "I have lived along the river for 20 years at this spot, and was initially concerned about the unsettling aspects of the project. But the people in charge of this did it right, and it is without a doubt now one of the most beautiful and accessible nature areas in northern Indiana," said David Hachen of Riverside Place. "Gayle, my wife, and I have really been enjoying the beauty of the river now that it can be seen from the bank at places." Sophie Wixson, who lives on Academy Place, was out walking the trail this week, pushing 2-year-old Shaun and 6-month-old Shaylee in a stroller. Wixon, who has used the walk since it was first paved, has been preparing to sell her home. "It should add significant value to some of these properties," she said. Design work on Phase II, which will extend the trail north from Oakwood Boulevard to Darden Road, is nearing completion, according to City Engineer Carl Littrell. The project should go out for bid this winter with construction beginning early in 2008. Completion of Phase II is anticipated in fall 2008. Community residents identified trails to encourage walking and bicycling as one of the city's top priorities during the development of City Plan, South Bend's 20-year comprehensive plan. The first phase of the Riverside Trail cost $1.79 million to build a 9,225-foot long and 10-foot wide path built from more than 1,600 tons of asphalt laid over 3,500 tons of compacted aggregate. The trail includes more than 1,000 feet of decorative steel railings, many installed in places where crews reinforced the riverbank to prevent erosion. The trail features five "nodes"where users can fish or take in the view while sitting on benches or strolling along side paths. There are six marked pedestrian crossings featuring decorative light posts and flashing warning lights that will be activated by pedestrians pushing crosswalk buttons. LaPorte Construction has served as the general contractor on the project, which was designed by the Troyer Group in conjunction with city engineering staff. South Bend's Parks and Recreation Department has worked on landscaping and will be responsible for ongoing maintenance of the park, which upgrades more than 5 acres of South Bend's nearly 1,300 acres of park land citywide.