GREENE Co., Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)–A new half mile ADA accessible trail for those with disabilities will make it’s way to Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area by spring 2022.
Bridget Stancombe, Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area Assistant Property Manager, said it’ll ensure that visitors from all walks of life can learn and engage with the area.
“We recognize that there is a need to make at least part of it ADA accessible so that those that are disabled or elderly who can’t get around as easily can use it and still have a chance to get out there and learn about Goose Pond. They might not be able to traverse the 35 miles of levees that we have out here.”
It’ll cost $40,000 dollars to build and recently Duke Energy provided the Indiana DNR with a 10,000 grant for construction.
Kurt Phegley, Government Community Relations Manager for Duke Energy, said it’s important to invest in and protect our local environments.
“In the past it’s been used for a lot of different functions…It was always just a wetland area but they did use it for agriculture. But now they’re moving that facility back for nature purposes as a habitat area,” he said.
Along the trail, visitors will find five areas to learn about the history, pollinators and native plants, and habitats at Goose Pond.
According to Stancombe, the new trail will be apart of their efforts to make the tourist attraction more interactive.
She said she’s excited to see the benefits it’ll bring to Goose Pond and the greater Greene County area.
“We hope this trail can help us educate future generations about why conservation is important.”
Construction is scheduled to begin next spring with a completion date of Spring 2022.
