Could regional trail be key to county's economic future?

The MYPath trail is bringing economic, social and health benefits to Owen County, and the more the trail expands, the greater those benefits will be. That was the finding of an intensive study by Indiana University O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs graduate students and the IU Center for Rural Engagement.

The final study was entitled MYPath, Our Community: The Future of Trail Systems in Owen County, Indiana. The report was shared at an Aug. 8 community meeting at McCormick's Creek State Park.

Based on the impact of similar trails around the state and country, local users of MYPath spend between $7.21 and $11.33 per daily trail visit. Non-local users spend between $13 and $70.50 per day trip. Overnight visitors spend between $98 and $176.98. By expanding the trail, the economic impact will increase because more people will be attracted to MYPath for both day use and overnight visits.

In addition, the study determined that trails like MYPath increase property values and attract both business and residential development. Social and health benefits have also been recorded with similar trails. Long-term discussions to connect MYPath to McCormick's Creek State Park, and then to Ellettsville and Monroe County trails would increase all these benefits as even more, as more people use the trails.

The study also outlined considerations for trail expansion. They recommended the creation of a Trail Expansion Advisory Group of local stakeholders to identify routes and funding possibilities.

The third section of the study focused on communication strategies. It encouraged participating in more public events and inviting more people to use the trail. With increased trail use, more stakeholders are created.

The study was created when the Owen County Community Foundation and the Regional Trail Advocates group had asked the Center for Rural Engagement (IUCRE) for assistance in determining the economic impact of MYPath and regional trails and for strategies for trail expansion. Through the IUCRE, 11 O'Neill School graduate students from around the country, completing their IU Masters of Public Affairs degree, spent weeks studying MYPath and surrounding trails. The course culminated in an intensive week visiting MYPath and the community. Their result was shared with community members on Aug. 8 at McCormick's Creek State Park. If anyone would like to see the entire 107-page study, contact mypathspencer@gmail.com