In an almost confessionary tone, Martha Davis told a group of Allen Countians last Friday morning of what she viewed as a unique experience that left her feeling a tad guilty.
“I found myself feeling jealous of what you have,” Davis said.
In her role with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation — one of the world’s largest — the Philadelphian has seen much of what the world has to offer.
Even so, Davis found herself in awe as she jogged along the Southwind Trail, delighting in the still quiet of the early morning where the only intrusions were rabbits darting across the trail or a friendly robin chirping good morning.
“You have built a dream,” she said.
BUT IT ALMOST didn’t happen.
Flash back 25 years when the seeds were being sewn for converting the long-defunct Santa Fe rail bed into a hiking and biking trail, made possible by a gift of KCT Railway of the railroad’s rights of way.
The plan was to build a $4 million trail linking Iola and Ottawa and call it the Prairie Spirit Rail Trail.
But it was not without its detractors.
In one instance, some 2,000 opponents from Allen, Anderson and Franklin counties signed a letter to Gov. Joan Finney in 1994 stating their objections to the segment from Welda to Richmond saying the trail would deprive landowners of their rights.
At stake was an investment of $1.35 million, of which the federal government would provide $1.1 million.
In the end, the greater good prevailed and today we have a growing network of trails that provide myriad recreational opportunities for young and old alike.
AS A first-time visitor to Allen County, Davis, of course, was unaware of the obstacles the trails have faced.
All she could see was this small corner of the world trying to make a difference not only with the trails but also with efforts such as the area’s farmers’ markets, community gardens, the Regional Rural Tech Center in LaHarpe, new playgrounds in Gas, LaHarpe and Humboldt, Moran’s new fitness center and an overall can-do spirit.
Davis and four others associated with the foundation came this way to evaluate whether Allen County presents itself as a “Culture of Health” and thus qualifies for a prize.
By being one of 11 finalists, we’ve learned we’re pointed in the right direction.
For all who contribute to such efforts, take a bow.
— Susan Lynn
