To our Town Run trail community,
We know the ongoing closure of Town Run has been frustrating for riders and other trail users, and we appreciate everyone's patience as we continue working toward a solution. We want to provide an update on the efforts being made behind the scenes and our hopes for getting at least part of the trail reopened soon.
Indy Trail Collective (ITC), the local chapter of the Hoosier Mountain Bike Association (HMBA), has worked alongside Indy Parks for years to maintain Town Run and preserve it as a valuable community resource. Our volunteers have invested countless hours into caring for the trails, and our commitment to Town Run and the community remains as strong as ever.
We are currently working with Indy Parks toward an active path forward. While there are still some administrative and procedural questions to resolve, we sincerely hope to see at least a portion of Town Run reopen in the near future. Our focus remains on finding practical solutions, maintaining a constructive relationship with Parks, and getting riders back on the trail as soon as circumstances allow.
Where Things Stand
Trail Reroute and FEMA Funding
Questions have been raised about whether a proposed reroute could affect FEMA funding. We are working with parks to ensure this isn't the case. We understand the importance of protecting funding eligibility and complying with applicable requirements, but remain committed to providing a temporary solution as soon as possible.
Supporting Long-Term Trail Repairs Through FEMA Funding
In addition to working toward reopening Town Run, HMBA and ITC are working with Indy Parks to help support efforts for them to apply for FEMA funding in order to facilitate more permanent repairs to portions of the trail damaged by the flood.
We recognize the importance of addressing the underlying damage and creating a sustainable long-term solution. Our hope is that, by working together, we can help providide Parks the documentation and information they need to navigate the process and identify opportunities to restore damaged sections of the trail while exploring options for reopening accessible portions in the meantime.
Our goal is to support both the immediate needs of the trail community and the long-term preservation of Town Run as a valuable public resource.
Our Commitment to Town Run
We want to be clear: our goal is to work collaboratively with Indy Parks toward a solution that gets Town Run reopened and protects its future.
HMBA and Indy Trail Collective have demonstrated their commitment through years of volunteer stewardship, prompt responses to requests, and continued efforts to resolve outstanding issues. We have provided requested information, responded to clarified requirements, and returned the draft MOU supplied by Parks. We remain ready to address additional requirements and work through the remaining questions together.
We are actively working toward a path forward with Parks and sincerely hope that we will be able to reopen at least part of Town Run soon. Although there are still details to work through, we remain committed to finding a practical resolution that serves the trail community and supports a lasting partnership.
In the meantime, we encourage everyone to take the opportunity to explore some of our other great local trails. Fort Harrison, Overley-Worman, and Southwestway each offer a different riding experience, from flowing singletrack and rolling terrain to punchier climbs and more technical features. Getting out to ride these trails is a great way to add some variety to your riding while we work toward Town Run's reopening.
Town Run is an important community resource, and its long-term success depends on constructive cooperation between Indy Parks, volunteer stewards, and the people who use and value the trail. We appreciate everyone's continued support and look forward to sharing positive news as progress is made.
Thank you to everyone who has volunteered, supported trail stewardship, and continued to advocate for Town Run. We know how much this trail means to our community, and we share your eagerness to get back out there. If you haven't joined yet, head on over to www.indytrailcollective.com and join today!
— Indy Trail Collective and the Hoosier Mountain Bike Association (HMBA)