Running through the middle of Muncie lies a quiet trail in good condition with rest stops and mile markers. On this trail people jog, walk, bike and in some parts even ride horses.
This is the Cardinal Greenway that stretches from Marion through Muncie and to Richmond. Also included is the White River Greenway, which is owned by Muncie but maintained by Cardinal Greenway.
Ball State University students Allison Garwood and Kelly Oldham said they loved the trail. They run on the White River Greenway three to four times a week. Running gives them time to spend together, the cousins said.
"We love [the Greenway]," Oldham said. "It's just so beautiful."
The Greenway offers running events throughout the year, as well.
On June 14, there will be a 10K, and on Oct. 18, there will be a 15K, Director of Cardinal Greenway Lenetta Freemann said.
Freemann said if anyone needed a bike, they were available at the Wysor Street Depot at 700 Wysor St. People need to leave their ID in order to get a bike.
The trail gets an estimated 250,000 uses every year, Freeman said. This includes everyone from walkers to bicyclists.
She said it took $150,000 a year to keep the trail in good condition. There are volunteers who help with maintenance, and donations are accepted, she said.
The city of Muncie helps work with the trail, but it does not contribute money, Freeman said.
Freeman said for the next few summers, the trail will expand. Three miles will be added to White River Greenway, 20 miles will be added to Cardinal Greenway in Wayne County, and three miles will be added to Cardinal Greenway in Grant County, she said.
The Cardinal Greenway is part of the American Discovery Trail, which stretches from California to Delaware.
In Indiana, there are two trails, and the Cardinal Greenway is part of the north trail.
The Cardinal Greenway runs directly on top of the old CSX Transportation Corporation railway line, as part of the Rails-to-Trails program, which converts abandoned railroads to trails.
The railroads are preserved so they can be used again if needed.
"It is important to preserve it in case it is ever needed again," she said.
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