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Flatland Resources to design Tillpond and Prairie Creek trail phases; Tillpond work to begin before April tree-cutting deadline
Summary
Contracting and grants for Tillpond Park and Prairie Creek phase 3 trails were discussed; Flatland Resources is the design-build firm for both projects and staff expect trail and site prep work to begin this year with completion targeted in 2026.
Representatives updated the board on two grant-funded trail projects: Tillpond Park improvements, supported by the Land and Water Conservation Fund with local matching funds, and Prairie Creek Reservoir trails phase 3, funded through an Indiana Trails Program grant.
A Flatland Resources representative (identified to the board as Allen) said Tillpond Park work includes clearing invasive species and site preparation for roughly a half-mile of trail that will loop ponds and woods. The work must complete tree-clearing tasks before an April 1 restriction on nesting habitat, he said; the project is in 30% design and is expected to move into heavier construction late spring and summer with a target opening in spring 2026, dependent on schedule changes.
Phase 3 at Prairie Creek will link the existing trail network to the beach house and the Bridal Greenway. Flatland Resources, which built phases 1 and 2, will perform design-build services and the team plans to use on-site borrow material south of the boat launch to lower hauling costs. Staff said they will coordinate routing near the Muncie Sailing Club and will follow established design guidelines to maintain safe distances from county roads.
Funding includes the state and federal grant awards; staff said they are pursuing a Ball Brothers Foundation grant to cover most of the local match for Prairie Creek phase 3. Construction is planned for late fall into early winter with an anticipated opening by spring 2026, assuming no major delays. No contractor awards beyond engaging Flatland Resources for design-build were finalized at the meeting.
Board members asked about timelines and potential bottlenecks; representatives said no major hurdles were identified but cautioned that typical project issues could arise. Staff committed to returning with further updates and more detailed plans as design work progresses.
