Members of the Kosciusko County Parks and Recreation Board are from left: Vice President Aggie Sweeney, Troy Turley, President Rob Bishop, Matt Metzger and Mike Cusick. InkFreeNews photos by Madison Hart.

By Madison Hart
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Department of Parks and Recreation Board approved a recommendation for a bid for the Chinworth Trail extension at a special meeting Wednesday, Nov. 27.

John Nelson with Triad Associates Inc. presented his evaluation of the bids for the Chinworth Trail Extension Phase 1, which the board opened at a meeting on Thursday, Nov. 21. Nelson stated the lowest bid was from Niblock Excavating in the amount of $970,247. Nelson said he found their bid to satisfy all the requirements.

John Nelson

Board Vice President Aggie Sweeney asked about the proposed timeline and if it would be difficult to extend if there were delays. Nelson stated that the January to July timeline includes weather considerations of ground thaw and rainy months. Nelson said he spoke with Niblock that morning and they expected the project to take 3-4 months, starting asphalt in March and ending in May or June. If necessary, extensions would be possible.

“I’ve worked with them before,” said Nelson. “I was thrilled to see it was them (with the lowest bid).”

In other business, the board announced that Katie Clark, lead on the Trail Master Plan project, is set to leave her position with TSW. The board expects to confirm a new project leader next week, ensuring a smooth transition for ongoing work.

The board also discussed the need for greenway crossings on US 30 and reminded the public that they can submit comments stating concern for the lack of crossings and the need for five or six crossings to the ProPEL US 30 study. The deadline to provide comments is Friday, Dec. 13.

The board highlighted an upcoming community event, Light Up Night, with a Twinkle Parade scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. Bicyclists are welcome to meet in the Old Owens parking lot at 5:45 p.m. with glow sticks to join the parade.

The board will present its recommendation of Niblock’s bid to county commissioners at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3.

The next regular board meeting is set for 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, in the Kosciusko County Old Courtroom, 121 N. Lake St., Warsaw.