City Celebrates Completion of South Shore, Dam Crossing Phases of the Griffy Lake Loop Trail with Ribbon Cutting December 15

Bloomington, Ind.–Parks and Recreation is celebrating major milestones toward the completion of the Griffy Lake Loop Trail with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Griffy Lake dam Dec. 15 at 11:30 a.m.

An official trail across the top of the Griffy Lake dam, with timber access stairs, is complete as is the new, 4.5-mile South Shore Trail. 

Construction of the South Shore Trail began in April 2023, following the completion of the accessible sidepath along Headley Road. Funding for the South Shore Trail was provided by the 2018 Bicentennial "Trees and Trails" Bond.

The Board of Park Commissioners in April approved a contract for $210,625 with Spectrum Trail Design to design and build the South Shore Trail, which connects the dam to the Griffy Lake boathouse via the accessible sidepath along Headley Road.

Contractor Scenic Construction built a trail, stairway access, and fence across the top of the dam for $348,420. Funding for the construction came from the North Kinser-Prow Road Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district. The new access staircase allows trail users to park below the dam to access trails on both the south and north shores.

Guest speakers Mayor John Hamilton, and representatives from Parks and Recreation and the Board of Park Commissioners, will present a short program at Friday's ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by a guided hike on the South Shore Trail. 

Plans are underway for future construction of a new North Shore Trail at Griffy Lake, to complete the entire Griffy Loop Trail.

For more information about the Griffy Lake Loop Trail, contact Bloomington Parks and Recreation at 812-349-3700 or parks@bloomington.in.gov, or visit the Griffy Lake Loop Trail project website.

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