The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the city of Jasper celebrated the opening of 30th/ Northwood Trail Thursday.

“At DNR, outdoor recreation is core to our mission,” said Dale Brier, deputy director for grants and trails with Indiana State Parks and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. “Indiana’s network of trails across the state is growing, which gets more people outside and improves connections both in and between communities. We’re excited to be part of the opening of the 30th/ Northwood Trail in Jasper.”

The 1.6-mile asphalt and concrete trail was constructed by the city with help from a $2 million dedicated grant administered by the DNR.

The trail will connect to the existing Buffalo Trace Connector trail to the east and the St. Charles/Portersville trail to the west, making critical connections to community schools, parks, and businesses. The route travels along Northwood Avenue to the West of U.S. 231 and along 30th Street to the east, and a pedestrian crossing was added at the intersection.

“The city of Jasper is excited to open a new section of our citywide trail system,” said Chad Hurm, city engineer. “This section, with the help of The Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Next Level Trail program will connect two existing sections of trail to provide approximately 7.6 miles of continuous pathway. The addition of this section will bring the total length of trail to just over 9 miles, connecting several city facilities, including the Ruxer Disc Golf Course, Jasper City Mill, Buehler Plaza, Thyen-Clark Cultural Center, Buffalo Trace Golf Course, Whitey Schroeder Golf Practice Facility and The Jasper Parklands.”

DNR has led the largest infusion of trails funding in state history, with $180 million in dedicated trail funding administered through DNR that facilitates critical trail connections within and between Hoosier communities. A total of 49 of the 89 projects are complete, with another 19 under construction. With this opening, more than 142 miles of trail have been built since the program’s inception.