|
Handicapped Accessible Trail Project in Southeast Gains Support
IBM's Community Grant Program recently donated $1,000 to support the building of the Lindera Loop Trail in Southeast, making IBM a Partner in Putnam's first-ever handicapped-accessible trail project. This gift from IBM was made in support of the volunteer efforts of Deb Biebesheimer, an IBM employee. The Community Grant program is part of IBM's worldwide employee initiative, On Demand Community, which supports IBMers and retirees with their volunteer efforts in the community.
"I'm very grateful to IBM for making this grant possible," said Deb Biebesheimer. "The $1,000 is a significant contribution and will directly benefit those in and near our community who have physical disabilities."
The trail, brainchild of Carmel High School sophomores Anna Eisenstein and Krista Gabarro, will be located at Putnam County Land Trust's Peach Lake Natural Area off Cobb Road, and has established sponsorship categories for donors.
To raise the estimated $15,000 for trail construction materials, the students have been making presentations to local organizations and applying for grants. The students hope to have enough money to purchase the trail materials by June so that volunteers can work through the summer on installation.
In order to meet the national standards for accessibility, the 700-foot loop trail will feature a firm surface, pull-offs for wheelchairs every 100 feet, and appropriate signage. The trail will be adjacent to the Dorrie O'Brien house, a handicappedaccessible building owned by Putnam County Land Trust. Plans for the building include a natural resource library for reading and research.
Including the IBM Grant, the Putnam County Land Trust has received about $7,500 in donations and grants earmarked for the new trail.
| 
