Imagine a limitless world where everyone can splash, climb, and soak up the sun, especially those with disabilities. Enjoying the beautiful lakes, parks, and nature sites in the area is an experience everyone should have access to, as it is proven to boost both physical and mental health. That is why Kosciusko County offers both parks and trails that are accessible to all ages and abilities. Here is a list of some of those parks and trails.
Accessible Parks
Winona Lake Limitless Park and Splashpad
At Winona Lake’s Limitless Park and K21 Splashpad, everyone gets an equal share of the fun, as it is designed to make sure no one gets put on the sidelines. With a solid surface of poured rubber or turf and ramps for easy access, it allows even those with balance or mobility challenges to join in on the fun.
Buffalo Street Plaza and Castaldi Fountain
This beautiful fountain and plaza area overlooks Center Lake in Warsaw and features an eye-catching statue by Osman Akan. It is a scenic location to sit and eat lunch or enjoy some time to relax. The entire area is paved, with ramps and railings for easy access. This plaza is designed to give people of all ages and abilities access to Center Lake.
Gardens of Central Park
Come visit the Gardens of Central Park in Warsaw where you can walk along the paths of flowering plants and enjoy the wonderful colors and changing seasons. A stone pathway winds all the way through this garden, making it easily accessible via wheelchair or scooter. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the stunning array of flowers and plants.
Remembrance Park
Situated in the heart of Etna Green next to the historic Etna Green elevator, Remembrance Park offers a serene escape with a fountain and hand painted mural by local artist, Roberts A. Hudson. The best time to visit the park is after Memorial Day, when the fountain will be in operation and the landscape of flowers and plants will be in full bloom.
Accessible Trails
The Heritage Trail
This paved trail goes over scenic Cherry Creek and through the old Chicago Boys Camp and also out to Winona Lake and Limitless Park.
The trail includes a series of sculptures, which add beauty to this already gorgeous trail. Each leg of the trail has a different theme. For example, the art on the north leg of the trail represents Winona Lake and its rich history, with statues like the Winona Queen and Native Americans. The main section of the trail features statues which represent the beatitudes, with sculptures titled Love, Kindness, Virtue, Generosity, Community, Respect, and Peace. Earn prizes by visiting these statues with our Public Art Trail Challenge Passport.
The Old Chinworth Bridge Trail
This historic iron bridge spanning the Tippecanoe River dates back to 1897 but provides a peaceful getaway today. The Old Chinworth Bridge Trail, nearly two miles long, is perfect for hikers and bicyclists. Visitors can learn some area history as they traverse the asphalt trail, which incorporates two historic bridges along the way. It’s all part of the Lake City Greenway, which includes a picnic area. This paved trail welcomes all individuals to enjoy this historic location and beautiful nature site.
Beyer Boardwalk Trail
Enjoy a tranquil escape into the wetlands near Warsaw and discover unique vegetation and wildlife. The trail consists of 1,800 feet of boardwalk in addition to an asphalt trail near the lake shore to Pike Lake Campground. The boardwalk and asphalt trail is accessible by wheelchair and scooter.
Pisgah Marsh Area Boardwalk
This nature site was set aside to preserve this amazing natural resource and marshland. This area includes 445 combined acres of grassland, wetland, upland forest, and lake habitat and is home to many plant and animal species. The boardwalk is accessible by wheelchair and scooter so all ages can enjoy it.
Syracuse-Wawasee Trails and Conklin Bay Boardwalk
The Syracuse-Wawasee Trails offer more then 11 miles of walking trails which meander around Syracuse, Lake Syracuse, and Lake Wawasee, Indiana’s largest natural lake. The Conklin Bay Boardwalk extends this trail with a one-third mile wetland board walk and includes an overlook section for visitors to admire the view. The board walk and paved section of trail are accessible for everyone.
As you visit these local trails, you have the chance to earn a prize! Join our Trail Blazer Challenge Passport by clicking below!
Making the beautiful natural resources, lakes, and trails of Kosciusko County available to everyone is vitally important. Experiencing the joy, fun, and physical and mental health benefits these locations can offer is not just limited by age or ability. Regardless of what challenges you face, these outdoor locations offer a place of peace and tranquility to relax and unwind.
Live Well in the Moment.