riverSCAPE Partners with Vigo County School Corporation
WEST TERRE HAUTE, IN- A new bike rack was installed on Thursday November 18th along the Wabashiki Trail system on the edge of Dewey Point. This project has been in the works for a couple of years, after securing a micro-grant from the Wabash Valley Community Foundation. Riverscape was able to work with West Vigo High School to customize the unique bike rack.
West Vigo High School’s Metal Shop, led by Chris Nidiffer, drafted various designs incorporating wetland scenes and animals. After getting approval for the final design, they could utilize class time to construct and weld the bike rack. Nidiffer noted the significance of this joint project, saying, “We’re happy to give the students this experience and leave behind a footprint to be used by future generations.” Other contributors included West Vigo High School students Maci Easton and Adelynn Harris. Acting as a bridge between Riverscape and West Vigo High School, they monitored the project and informed both sides of the latest updates.
Although joint projects like this one are not rare, Nidiffer described it as “One of my favorites we have ever done.” The ability to conduct this student-driven, teacher-led project was provided by the Wabash Community Foundation, which supplied the grant. Grants like this that benefit local entities and allow a community to work together are special. Michael Shaw, Riverscape President, noted, “We are very thankful to the Wabash Valley Community Foundation for supporting projects like this one.” The bike rack installation is timely. The bike rack will provide visitors to the Smithsonian Water|Ways exhibit, opening November 20th one more access point to get to the exhibition at the Vigo County School Corporation Administration Building. Both of which are located on the Wabashiki trail. “I have a deep appreciation for this community project. It is being installed at a highly visible, very busy Vigo County Parks and Recreation Department location,” Vigo County Parks and Recreation Department Superintendent Adam Grossman added.