At the Mid America Trails and Greenways Conference held September 21-24 in downtown Indianapolis, Plainfield received the Trails Award for Indiana, given for the best trail system of 2003. Each of the five states in the Mid America region, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky, made an award for its own state.
"The award was given for creating a greenway system that benefits the community, and for the town making the quality of life of its citizens a high priority," said Diana Virgil, who nominated Plainfield. Virgil is president of the Rail Corridor Development organization in Indiana. "Plainfield realized years ago the importance of trails and included trails in their master plan. They are now reaping the benefits of this wisdom. Plainfield leads Hendricks County in creating trails, greenways, and excellent quality of life."
The award was presented by Ray Irwin, Director of Indianapolis Greenways.
"It was a total surprise," said Richard Carlucci, the town manager, "but what a great honor for the town!"
Between the town of Plainfield and Guilford Township, there are over 12 miles of trails which connect all the parks. A historic iron bridge built in 1886, relocated from southern Guilford Township, is one of the highlights of the greenways system. It is located at the trail head of the White Lick Creek trail.
Additional trails are planned for the town. The second phase of the Plainfield Greenways System will consist of several segments. One will be a trail from Franklin Park along the old railroad easement to Carr Road, and then up Carr to Township Line Road. Another will connect Friendship Gardens to the high school. A third will connect neighborhoods along Stanley Road and may include a walking bridge.
Funding for the greenways expansion has been secured as a grant given by the state from its portion of the Transportation Enhancement Activity (TEA) funds. Projects competing for TEA funds typically accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists, preserve historic structures, or enhance landscaping and beautification. The state is expected to bid the Phase II project in 2004.
In addition, the town has acquired land that can be used for future expansion of the trails system. Mac McNaught, President of Denison Properties, has donated land along the Vandalia Railroad corridor that will permit expansion of the Vandalia Rail Trail out to Liberty Township. Denison Properties is the developer of Saratoga, a large, planned community north of U.S. 40 in Plainfield.
Leaf Pickup Begins October 20 for Bagged Leaves, Curb Pickup Begins November 3
The Department of Public Works will begin bagged leaf pickup on Monday, October 20 through October 31, 2003. Have bagged leaves at the curb by 7:00 a.m. Call 839-3490 for bagged leaf pick-up.
Beginning November 3, leaves will be picked up at the curb by the leaf vac. The last day of leaf pick-up will be November 26, 2003. After this date leaves may be dropped off at the collection site on N. Vine Street.
The following guidelines will be helpful for leaf pickup:
Know your route day.
Please have leaves at pickup site by 7:00 a.m.
Rake leaves between the sidewalk and curb.
No trash or debris should be mixed in with the leaves.
Leaf pile should be six feet in width.
DO NOT park cars at the pickup site, rake leaves around obstacles, or rake leaves in street or gutters. We will not pick up leaves in gutters or around obstacles.
Route 1, Tuesday
South of Main Street to Stafford Road from S. Mill Street to Shaw Street. Also south of Stafford Road to Hawthorn Ridge from SR 267 west to Glen Haven subdivision.
Route 2, Wednesday
South of Main Street to Stafford Road from St. Luke Street to S.R. 267.
Route 3, Thursday
North of Main Street to Township Line Road from Saratoga Parkway to Smith Road including Williamsburg in the Woods. Also south of Main Street to Stafford Road from SR 267 to Six Points Road.
If you have questions concerning leaf pick up call 839-3490.
