Hancock County Nine Star Park Trail receives development grant

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently announced recipients of Indiana Trails Program (ITP) grants, awarding $1.7 million in trail development assistance to five communities across the state.

With local matching funds included, the program will support nearly $3.3 million in total investment resulting in 4.12 miles of new trail construction.
“Outdoor recreation is core to our heritage as Hoosiers, with trails making important connections to health and nature,” said Governor Mike Braun. “These trail projects will be excellent additions to their communities.” 

ITP is a biennial grant program dedicated to expanding and enhancing Indiana’s network of trails to support outdoor recreation, community connectivity, economic development, and quality of life. DNR received 31 applications requesting nearly $11 million in funding, demonstrating strong statewide demand for new and expanded trail infrastructure. The grant recipients are:

• Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation Department – White River Greenway ($400,000 - 0.5 miles)
• City of Fort Wayne – Fishing Line Trail ($400,000 - 0.72 miles)
• Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department – Bur Oak Bend Trails ($386,827.80 - 1.65 miles)
• Hancock County – NineStar Park Trail ($376,496 - 0.75 miles)
• Town of North Judson – Hidden Field Trail ($140,000 - 0.5 miles)

“These projects represent the best of what Indiana communities are doing to create accessible outdoor spaces and strengthen local connections,” said Brandt Baughman, Indiana State Parks director. “The strong interest this year underscores just how important trail development has become across the state.”

Project schedules vary, but construction could begin as early as this summer, with the first trail expected to open in October 2026.