Chinworth Trail ribbon cutting set for Oct. 9; volunteers, photographer and press to support event

The Kosciusko Parks and Recreation Board set an Oct. 9 ribbon cutting for the Chinworth Trail extension and discussed event logistics, volunteer support, and publicity.

Board members confirmed Oct. 9 as the preferred date and 3 p.m. as the start time for the ribbon cutting. Staff said the county typically holds a single ribbon cutting for a completed trail but will make an exception for the Chinworth extension because it is the county’s first.

Staff and board members discussed publicity and event support: a staff member offered to draft a press release, a board member offered an easel and signage, and the group agreed to secure a photographer. Refreshments (cookies) were mentioned as a repeat from previous events. Volunteers from a nascent “Friends of the Trail” group and nearby neighbors were offered as on‑site helpers for setup and cleanup.

Volunteer cleanup and workday Board members proposed a volunteer workday to clear vegetation around the Chinworth Bridge trailhead and improve visibility of trail signage ahead of the ribbon cutting. The board discussed tentative dates: a weekend date (Oct. 5) and a weekday option (Oct. 7) were proposed; final scheduling will be coordinated by the board and the identified contact person, Steve.

Board staff will seek permission from the historical society if work would affect historical‑society‑owned parcels adjacent to the trailhead. The group discussed debris removal and the possibility of using county or partner resources to haul cuttings.

What’s next Staff will draft a press release and coordinate photographer and signage. The board will circulate details for the volunteer workday and confirm permissions for work on land near the historic bridge. The ribbon cutting remains scheduled for Oct. 9 at 3 p.m., subject to final coordination with the commissioners’ office and staff availability.