Noblesville officials opened the Midland Trace Trailhead on Hazel Dell Road Thursday. The amenity includes restrooms, water fountains, parking lot, benches, a bike repair and air station, and Zagster Bike Share sponsored by Visit Hamilton County.
“As work continues to increase Noblesville’s trail availability and connectivity, this trailhead provides an entrance for users and a safe resting spot along the trail,” said Mayor John Ditslear. “With the upcoming holiday weekend and summer weather, I believe it will be well used immediately and a tremendous asset for our community.”
The trailhead provides an entry for guests to travel west on the city’s first phase of the Midland, which connects to Westfield’s portion of the trail. To the east, it will connect to Phase II, which continues the 12 foot-wide multi-use path to Willowview Road. It also provides a connection with the Little Chicago Road Trail.
“This was an enjoyable project to work on as I enjoy seeing guests utilize our parks and trails to be active outdoors,” said City Engineer John Beery. “Since Phase I opened late last year, recreational users have been enjoying the trail. This trailhead will provide even more amenities and a parking area to utilize the city’s trail network.”
The Midland Trace Trail project follows along the abandoned “Midland” Central Railway corridor (approximately 0.2 miles south of State Road 32). Phase II work began earlier this spring and is expected to open in August. Construction of Phase II and the land acquired are 80 percent funded by a federal aid grant obtained by the Noblesville Engineering Department, and 20 percent funded by the city.
Future plans for the Midland include a third phase that will extend the trail from Willowview Road to Hague Road and Metzger Lane in 2019. A fourth phase will connect with the potential Pleasant Street extension from Hague Road to cross Cicero Creek and the White River and beyond State Road 37.