(ANGOLA) – Angola area residents who like to walk, run and bike will soon have a beautiful new option for exercising outdoors while enjoying local scenery.

On Monday Trine University and the City of Angola announced they are partnering to create a new recreational and nature trail, as Dr. Tony Kline, Executive Vice President at Trine explains. LINKC.

Trailhead parking will be off of Thunder Drive on Trine’s campus.

Angola Mayor Dave Martin says the City is proud to partner with Trine on this project. LINKD.

Approximately 80% of the trail will wind through wooded areas with boardwalks and bridges over streams, creeks and rolling terrain. Amenities will include mileage markers and exercise waypoints, as well as security cameras, lighting and an emergency phone.

The trail will connect to the larger Poka-Bache Trail system through the City of Angola trail south of Angola. That system, when completed, will include Steuben, DeKalb, Allen and Wells counties, connecting Pokagon State Park in Angola and Ouabache State Park in Bluffton.

Trine University will oversee design and construction of the new trail, with the City of Angola ensuring connectivity to its new south trail extension. The University has selected Butler Fairman and Seufert (BF&S) of Indianapolis to design the trail on campus.

The project will receive funding from a grant of $17.2 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its College and Community Collaboration (CCC) initiative, announced last year.