At the Kosciusko County Parks and Recreation Board's May 2025 meeting in May 2025, staff reported that exploratory potholing identified an existing force main and a gas line in the path of the trail extension, requiring construction adjustments that will likely be handled by a change order.

Board members were told crews completed exploratory potholing using ground-penetrating radar and found utilities in the alignment. The project team discussed moving or raising the force main and changing the bedding stone; staff said crews are proposing a number 70 stone for improved compaction to support the pipeline. The report said the change will probably require a formal change order and accompanying pay application from the contractor that the county will review at next month’s pay-app meeting before approving or denying payment.

Staff also said the construction contractor will close the road next week, Monday through Wednesday, and that three trees at the site will be removed as part of the work. Board members were told contingency funds exist to cover these kinds of adjustments. John Nelson was noted as back on site and involved with the field coordination.

The board was advised that an outfall structure at the river was constructed and that work continues at the path and bridge entrance south of Old 30. Staff said they will follow up with an email and additional updates next week. No formal policy decisions were made at the meeting; the items reported are operational updates and pending administrative actions (contract change order and contractor pay application) that will return for review and formal acceptance.