$500,000 in CAP grant a big boost for Syacuse boardwalk proposal
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News Release
SYRACUSE — The town of Syracuse has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Community Amenities Program (CAP) to support construction of a new multi-use pedestrian boardwalk — a $1.6 million project that will transform the town’s busiest corridor into a safer, more accessible traffic hub.
The project will create a pedestrian boardwalk along the east side of Ind. 13 from Chicago Street to Bowser Road, within the area locally known as “The Village,” according to a provided news release.
This stretch contains much of Syracuse’s business community, including dining, shopping, grocery, fitness and other service businesses but currently lacks safe sidewalks or bicycle-friendly routes.
Portions of the new boardwalk will be elevated, ensuring accessibility while navigating the topography of the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) drainage area between Ind. 13 and its service roads.
By connecting key businesses, existing trails, and school routes, the boardwalk will provide a safer avenue for walkers, runners, bicyclists and students traveling to Wawasee school buildings, the release states. It will also link the south end of Syracuse Lake to the north side of Lake Wawasee and tie into the Conklin Bay Trail, strengthening the region’s trail system.
“On behalf of the citizens, staff, and elected officials of the town of Syracuse, I want to express our gratitude and appreciation to Representative (Craig) Snow for championing this funding,” said David Wilkinson, town manager of the town of Syracuse. “We are also very appreciative of the efforts of the members of the Community Amenities Program Board for their consideration and acknowledgement of our vision. These funds will be extremely helpful in our boardwalk project and our continuing efforts to revitalize and grow our community.”
Syracuse plans to hire an engineering firm in late 2025 to develop final designs and manage the project. Construction will begin later that year.
“We’re thrilled to bring this exciting amenity project to life for the town of Syracuse,” said Ryan Christner, CEO of OrthoWorx. “The new boardwalk will elevate the community experience, connecting key parts of our retail village with existing trails and enhancing accessibility for both residents and visitors. This initiative not only promotes pedestrian travel but also significantly improves safety along one of the town’s most vital corridors.”
The CAP is a countywide initiative designed to enhance quality of life across Kosciusko County by investing in shared spaces and projects that strengthen community connection. Backed by a portion of the Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative’s $30 million commitment from the state of Indiana, CAP helps bring bold community visions to life by combining local, state and philanthropic resources.
The program is guided by the CAP Committee, a group of community leaders who evaluate proposals and award grants based on their potential to make lasting, countywide impact.
Administration of these grants is provided in partnership with the K21 Health Foundation, ensuring that each investment is managed with transparency, accountability and a focus on long-term community benefit. To find out more, visit allinkosciusko.com/initiatives/community-amenities/
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