In 2000, Logansport Memorial Hospital began to recognize the impact that unhealthy lifestyles were having on our county as well as the state of Indiana. The idea of creating a community trail, utilizing abandoned sections of the Vandalia Railroad line just two blocks away from the hospital was born. In 2002, the Logansport Memorial Hospital Foundation applied for and received $150,000 from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to build a basic, crushed-stone path. Then hospital officials suggested a local campaign to raise more money and make the trail even better. The hospital issued a challenge: for every dollar contributed by hospital employees, the hospital would match another dollar up to $100,000. Combined with donations from local businesses, physicians and citizens, the hospital campaign raised more than $700,000. Landowners chipped in as well, donating parcels of property adjacent to the corridor.

 

River Bluff Trail was opened in 2004. The trail features a handicap-accessible paved trail and canoe/kayak launch, three bridges, picnic area, rest stops, entrances and parking at both ends. With more than 4,000 users per week, the trail has rapidly become a Cass County destination for health, leisure and recreational activities, including multiple running events and many school functions. To schedule a community running or walking event, contact the Logansport Memorial Hospital Foundation Coordinator or complete the Trail Usage Request Form.

Since that time, the initiative has continued to grow and Logansport Memorial Hospital has opened the Hervey Preserve, a 35-acre nature preserve which incorporates a labyrinth and 1.1 mile crushed-stone trail and recently accepted an 80-acre tract of land (Huston Property) which will be developed into a central park for the community. The Huston Property will include a variety of sports venues (softball, soccer, etc), an amphitheatre, Spray Park and additional walking trails which will connect the three land masses together.