PLAINFIELD, IN - Governor Eric J. Holcomb today joined the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Town of Plainfield, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), and New City Development to celebrate the official opening of the recently completed Vandalia Trail extension and to mark the start of a new chapter for Hobbs Station.
“Powered by partnerships, and blazing new trails, Next Level Trails continues to help Indiana connect communities and one another,” said Gov. Holcomb. “I’m excited to see the private sector, local, and state government partners all come together to set a new national standard. The Vandalia Trail connection to Plainfield’s new Hobbs Station development perfectly represents our statewide momentum and will draw Hoosiers across the region for years to come.”
The 2.32-mile asphalt multi-use trail was designed and constructed by the town of Plainfield. The project received support from a $1,712,000 Next Level Trails (NLT) grant that was announced by Gov. Holcomb in March 2021 as part of the second grant round of NLT.
New City Development, a major contributor to the project, played a pivotal role by constructing more than half a mile of the new trail segment within the Hobbs Station development. Hobbs Station, a visionary $300 million mixed-use community project currently under construction, is poised to continue diversifying Plainfield's landscape by seamlessly blending residential, retail, and industrial spaces.
This event not only celebrates the extension of the Vandalia Trail, but also marks the beginning of a new era for Plainfield and Hendricks County. Attendees had the unique opportunity to participate in a beam-signing ceremony, leaving their mark on the project, and symbolizing their commitment to the development's future. Hobbs Station, which is set to open the first phase of development in 2024, is being supported by an investment from the IEDC’s regional development tax credit, which provides an incentive for companies to invest in redevelopment and revitalization, improving the quality of place within Indiana.
The newly extended Vandalia Trail now spans from its previous boundary near Township Line Road to Raceway Road, reaching the county line. Along the north side of US 40, it offers a vital link to the 9-mile Ronald Reagan Parkway Trail, a prominent north-south bike route. To the west, the existing trail stretches nearly 5 miles to the western edge of Plainfield.
This project is part of the statewide National Road Heritage Trail, a 160-mile trail corridor traversing Indiana. The Vandalia Trail extension plays a pivotal role in connecting to the existing trail system in Indianapolis. The NLT program has allocated more than $4 million to support three different projects along this corridor, contributing to the development of 6 miles of new trail.
"The Vandalia Trail extension is a testament to our commitment to providing our residents with recreational opportunities and promoting an active lifestyle,” said Robin Brandgard, Plainfield Town Council president. “We are grateful for the support from the NLT program, New City Development, and the collaboration that made this expansion possible."
Hobbs Station, the $300 million master-planned community, is set to bring tremendous growth to the town of Plainfield. Spanning 125 acres off U.S. 40 (Main Street) and North Perry Road, Hobbs Station will offer a mix of residential, retail, office, senior housing, and industrial spaces, seamlessly integrated with access to the Vandalia Trail. It represents a forward-thinking approach to community development that respects Plainfield's history while embracing its future.
“The Vandalia Trail extension speaks to the forward-thinking leadership and commitment from both the state of Indiana and the town of Plainfield to improve the standard of living for both current and future residents. New City Development and our partners are proud to be a part of bringing the vision of the Vandalia Trail extension to reality as part of our master-planned Hobbs Station community,” said Isaac Bamgbose, founder, and CEO of New City Development.
As part of Gov. Holcomb's Next Level Connections initiative, NLT is the largest-ever infusion of trail funding in Indiana's history. With a current allocation of $180 million, this program, administered by the DNR, is committed to establishing critical trail connections within and between Hoosier communities. To date, NLT has awarded $150 million to 75 projects across the state, with an additional $30 million set to be awarded in the upcoming fourth round of the program in December.
Of the 75 NLT projects, 26 are already completed, contributing more than 84 miles of trail since the program's inception. An additional 13 projects are presently under construction, with several more scheduled to break ground later this year.