Newburgh’s Rivertown Trail Phase IIIA Ribbon Cutting Sunday 12/8

The Town of Newburgh announces the grand opening of the Rivertown Trail extension, Phase IIIA.  The extension was designed by CHA Consulting, Inc., constructed by Ragle, Inc. and has been anticipated for nearly ten years.  Thanks to a large donation by Warrick Trails, the Town was able to move forward with the construction portion of the INDOT 80/20 Transportation Enhancement Grant in 2019.

This 1.1 million dollar project adds a mile of meandering walking trail connecting the Aurand Trailhead at Yorkshire Drive to the proposed Covert Avenue, Evansville Trails connection at Pollack Avenue.  Warrick Trails donated half of the match dollars needed for the grant and invested in the renovation and upgrade of the historic service station at the Aurand Trailhead. 

The trail is a 10-foot asphalt paved segment which extends the point-to-point distance of the Newburgh Rivertown Trail to nearly four miles. The new section of the trail travels through Driftwood Park, cross Allen Ditch, then runs adjacent with State Route 662, keeping pedestrians, bikers and runners safely away from traffic.

“Seeing this long-awaited project come to fruition is exciting,” said Christy Powell, Newburgh Town Manager.  “Families have been eager to use the new trail and opening it during the holidays will hopefully allow folks to enjoy a fall stroll with their families or get some fresh air during this busy season.”

The trailhead improvements were completed earlier this fall Warrick Trails, adding an additional bathroom, a shade structure, and major facade improvements, including new branding of the trail. 

“We are so happy with the upgraded Aurand Trailhead, and thankful to our sponsor, Ascension St. Vincent that made this important work possible,” said Courtney Tenbarge, President of Warrick Trails.  “The structure is beautiful and serves as a welcoming introduction to the downtown corridor, but most importantly, it’s functional and will help families enjoy the trails with ease.  Upgraded bathrooms, a shaded platform, and the parking lot expansion planned for next spring make it a great community gathering place.” 

The Newburgh Rivertown Trail opened in 2009 and this is the third major expansion.  Warrick Trails has been adding new dedicated trails and bike lanes through the county since 2014 and has plans to continue upgrades in Newburgh, Boonville, Lynnville and other reaches of the county.

“This is a fantastic example of what we can accomplish when we work together for the betterment of families in Newburgh, and throughout the county,” said Powell.