Just in time for school to begin, the Benham multiuse path in Elkhart is complete.
The Benham path stretches from Hively Avenue, along Benham Avenue and Mishawaka Road, to Old Farm Drive. In addition to enhanced lighting, the Benham path offers safer crossings, including for students at Concord West Side.
“Improving safety and walkability is a key part of ASPIRE Elkhart,” Mayor Rod Roberson said in a press release. “As school begins again, we are relieved to know students will have a safer route to get to class.”
The pathway project also creates connections between residential neighborhoods on the south side of the city and the Woodland Crossing Commercial Center.
For many years, the Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary maintained a grass walking path across their property. The seminary has been a key partner on the new path project. The grass walking path was insufficient for bicycles and those with mobility challenges. Residents using that path faced an unsafe crossing of Mishawaka Road.
“Thank you to the seminary, our staff, the contractors and supporters who made this multiuse path a reality,” Roberson said.
The city officially opened the Benham path with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 13.
Roberson announced the ASPIRE Elkhart plan in early 2024. The initiative aims to revitalize Elkhart. The plan focuses on infrastructure, quality of place, public safety and neighborhoods.
