New Opportunity? Zionsville MTB Trails?

[mrcs007]

http://www.currentzionsville.com/2015/09/10/vonterra-developers-offer-55-acres-in-new-park-land/

Zionsville could soon be acquiring 55 acres for a new park.

Developers of the proposed Vonterra subdivision off of Zionsville Road in south Zionsville presented a plan to the Parks Board on Sept. 9 that included donating about half of the land in the 110-acre neighborhood to the town to use for a park. The topography of the site makes it unsuitable for building homes or anything else.

A render of the proposed Vonterra development and park.
A render of the proposed Vonterra development and park.
“It’s quite an expansive and attractive piece of ground,” said attorney Mike Andreoli, representing builder Ryland Homes. “It’s grown over in many aspects and pretty rough, but there are some really wonderful terrain parts of it.”

The site was previously the home of Worman’s Clean Fill and Organic Recycling, which closed after more than 30 years in business. Worman’s owner Canda Smith said the high property taxes made it difficult to continue operating in Zionsville. She has retired and plans to travel with her husband.

Smith said developers have approached her about purchasing the property for years, and she is pleased with the plan to use half of the site for a park and preserve much of the nature.

“I see great things in the future for the land,” she said. “I’ve tried to do it right.”

The proposed park is separated from Starkey Park by Eagle Creek on its western border. Plans call for it to include a southern expansion of the Zionsville Rail Trail.

Andreoli said the land could be a good fit for off-road bike trails. The site also includes a pond that is estimated to be 30 to 40 feet deep.

“It was literally the clearest body of water that I think I’ve seen in the state of Indiana,” said Steve Bullington, president of the Parks Board.

The proposed 107-home Vonterra subdivision will be discussed at the Zionsville Plan Commission meeting Sept. 21. The Parks Board was unable to vote on the land donation because it did not have a quorum.

And then the picture (in article since it does not display) shows it connecting down to Zionsville Rd...now if only they would connect it further south.  A start to a safe route into Park 100 from north side ( the train track continues....).  And a connector to some mtb trails.

Looks like it is definitely flood zone material just like most of the Starkey Park trails.  Take a look at exhibit 2 in this doc.  I am guessing all blue is flood zone.
http://www.zionsville-in.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/2015-25-DSV-Vonterra-Staff-Report.pdf


Is this something on the visibility of HMBA?

[SurlyWill]

Any updates? I work in Zionsville and would be happy to lend a hand.

[jfish]

Woah that's right behind where I work too, that'll be nice!

[Paul_Arlinghaus]

I have been hearing about this project for a couple years now.  HMBA is not involved at this point.  My understanding is that they will need to move a lot of dirt to create a mtb facility.  I will reach out and see if we can help out.

Paul

[DavidR]

I also live near by and would be willing to help wherever I can. It'd be great to have some mountain bike trails on the Northwest side of Indy.

[jfish]

I saw they already built the roads for the housing development. Town councilor told me Parks are underfunded because of Public Safety needs, so might take a while for the park itself. So maybe HMBA/IMBA can really help with that, it sounds like there is an opportunity.

[DavidR]

For anyone in the area that is interested, the town of Zionsville is hosting a meeting to gather input from the community on March 7th as they are currently working an initial design for the park: http://www.zionsville-in.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=472&month=3&year=2017&day=7&calType=0

[jfish]

I heard from a contact they are building an mtb trail! He personally advocated for it because I brought it up first time I saw this thread. So thanks OP!! Also, I feel special now lol.

How do we get HMBA involved?

[Michael Nevitt]

any new updates on this? 

[Blown Hemi]

Any updates?

[jfish]

Welp, here's what I found about this... good news!


http://reasite.com/live-sites/overley-worman-park-master-plan/refined-concept-plan/

<I fixed the font size>

[SurlyWill]

Looks like a tight pack. More trail is good ... but tight pack lead to cheater paths. Glad to see they are moving ahead. Looks like this will have more to offer than flat fork.

I no longer work in Zionsville... so I won't be volunteering.