Lover’s Lane Loop officially opens as extension of Sullivan Greenway System
After breaking ground in January, the City of Sullivan officially opens the newest addition to the Sullivan Greenway System at Friday’s ribbon cutting – Lover’s Lane Loop.
Funded by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), Lover’s Lane officially connects as an extension of “the Sully.”
Beginning in 2013, the City of Sullivan began conceptualizing plans to create a vibrant, walkable downtown. The re-pavement of the downtown square kicked off the efforts, followed by the installation of the City’s first pedestrian crosswalks. After the City was awarded funds to treat years worth of stormwater challenges and ripped up the sidewalks along Central Plaza to address flooding and stormwater infrastructure, the sidewalks were replaced creating the first segment of the Sullivan Greenway System.
Since then, the Sully has been an ever-evolving network of outdoor trails in the City of Sullivan. The trails always led to downtown, with the goal of promoting connectivity, walkability and health and wellness, while also boosting economic vitality for local businesses and organizations. The Sully’s big picture plan includes continued expansion, connecting all corners of the city, with the Lover’s Lane Loop aiding in its long-term growth.
“Connection is central in everything our administration does,” stated Mayor Clint Lamb. “From beatification efforts, to blight elimination, to economic development, it’s all about connection. However, there is no better tangible example of connection than the Sully. We are physically connecting citizens, businesses, and resources to all areas of the city.”
Lover’s Lane is located right outside the Sullivan County Public Library. Recognizing the importance of enhancing quality resources and tools for education and learning, the Sully now leads to the entrance of a historic Carnegie Library.
Lover’s Lane itself has a historic past, dating back to the early 1900s when a local doctor, Dr. Crowder, self-funded a sidewalk to connect his house to the local hospital with the hopes of better serving his patients. Over the last century, the sidewalk remained, uniquely not lined by any streets and instead cutting down the middle of a block. Over the years, it coined the nickname “Lover’s Lane.”
The concept for the Lover’s Lane connection was conceived in 2014. The city applied for INDOT funding in 2017 and was awarded in 2018. The new Lover’s Lane Loop extends north to Washington Street, continues east to the intersection of Section and Washington Streets, and continues east for two more blocks to Main Street on the north side of the downtown square.
“We are grateful for INDOT for their continued partnership in helping fund this project,” continued Lamb. “Lover’s Lane has been such a prominent piece of our city’s past, and today it’s a path to our future.”
The City of Sullivan will be working with other stakeholders over the coming months to add more lighting, trash cans, benches and more along the Lover’s Lane stretch.
In both 2024 and 2026, more trails will be added to the Sully.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/CityOfSullivan/posts/pfbid02jfTDDEGGbxc63i9SqD3KUtWjHAgtwjM4AGHffL8jtAjutnKsfx2xnG12fp8hghorl
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