Marion, Indiana – Marion residents and officials gathered today to celebrate the official opening of the Downtown Trail Network, a new addition designed to connect the city’s vibrant downtown with the region’s larger trail system. The ribbon-cutting event highlighted the collaborative effort between the city of Marion and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which provided critical funding and support for the project.
The trail, a 10-foot-wide asphalt path designed for multi-use, was constructed with the help of a $640,684 grant administered by the DNR. Its creation marks a significant step in the city’s ongoing efforts to encourage healthy transportation, community engagement, and economic growth.
“The Downtown Trail Network embodies the connections and spurred economic activity that come with trail development,” said Gary Schultz, trails coordinator with the Indiana DNR. “By linking downtown Marion with the Cardinal Greenway, we gain more connections to downtown businesses and more connections to healthy transportation on the greenway. DNR is proud to support this project.”
The new trail adds 0.57 miles to Marion’s expanding trail system, directly linking downtown to Indiana’s longest trail, the Cardinal Greenway. By bridging recreational and commercial areas, the trail offers residents and visitors easier access to the city’s business district, cultural landmarks, and social gathering spaces. The opening of this segment reflects a key recommendation in Marion’s 2019 Downtown Revitalization Plan, which envisions a comprehensive network extending northward to connect with the Mississinewa Riverwalk.
City leaders emphasized the trail’s dual benefits of promoting both community health and local economic activity. Officials noted that trails like this can draw new visitors downtown, encourage foot traffic to small businesses, and provide residents with a safe, scenic route for walking, running, or biking.
The Downtown Trail Network is also part of a broader statewide effort to expand Hoosier trail infrastructure. Since its inception, the DNR has overseen the largest infusion of trail funding in Indiana’s history, dedicating $180 million to facilitate essential trail connections within and between communities. Of the 89 projects funded so far, 56 are complete and 15 more are currently under construction, resulting in more than 162 miles of trail built across the state.
For Marion, the Downtown Trail Network represents more than a recreational amenity. It is a symbol of the city’s investment in long-term revitalization and its commitment to creating pathways that connect residents to local businesses, parks, and cultural destinations. With plans already in place for future expansion, the trail promises to be a central artery linking neighborhoods, enhancing quality of life, and encouraging sustainable transportation throughout the community.
The trail officially opens this week, inviting walkers, cyclists, and community members to explore the new connection and enjoy the convenience of a safe, accessible route through Marion’s downtown. As the city moves forward with its revitalization initiatives, officials hope the Downtown Trail Network will become a cornerstone for both recreation and economic activity in the years to come.
