BROWNSBURG, IN

Over the past 5 years, a body of landscape architectural expertise has been built around rails-to-trails projects and greenways. John Kinsella, Partner-In-Firm and urban designer/planner of Storrow and Kinsella Partnership, told LASN that, "It is a common perception that Landscape Architects only do planting, but in reality land-use planning and detail design are part of the expertise involved in rail-trails."

Currently awaiting reauthorization, the funding of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) with enhancements would be beneficial to the construction of the B&O (Baltimore and Ohio) Trail, which is still in the planning stages. In an interview with LASN, Diana Virgil, President of the Rail Corridor Development, Inc. stated that, "We will not have enough money--and because we will have to find other sources, the trail will take longer to construct."

The abandoned B&O railroad (the same railroad popularized in the game Monopoly) presents west-central Indiana citizens with an opportunity to create a recreational trail linking various neighborhoods and communities. Kinsella also believes that "the trail represents a quality of life factor toward economic development; something we have specifically observed is the attraction of employees with resources like these." This old railroad passage rambles through 62 miles of countryside and places to explore, but if the ISTEA funds are ceased obstacles will have to be overcome.

The Rail Corridor Development Inc., a nonprofit organization, is committed to transforming the completion of the B&O Trail into reality. Their goal is to improve the quality of life by creating recreational trails which enhance and promote rural communities; unlock opportunities for entrepreneurial growth and positive business investment; preserve a passage to history; and provide citizens with an opportunity to enjoy Indiana's nature and wildlife.

Virgil explained that "the main problem in Indiana is legal interpretation of the original deeds," meaning that the state has not yet taken a lead to preserve these abandoned rail corridors, as well as the numerous rail-trail projects forming all over the state.

What is your opinion of the endangered rail-trails issue? Let LASN know the effect it will have on your practice and your community. E-mail the editorial staff at landarchx@aol.com!