Community Amenities Program Awards $49,377 to Support New Archery and Walking Trail at Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area

Syracuse, IN – The Community Amenities Program has awarded a $49,377 grant to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to support a new outdoor recreation project at the Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area.

The funding will be used to develop an approximately 1.5-mile 3-D archery and walking trail that will include at least 25 target stations and three designated rest areas. The new trail will expand public access to outdoor recreation while enhancing opportunities for physical activity, mental wellness, and connection to nature.

Located north of North Webster, the Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area is the largest publicly accessible green space in Kosciusko County, encompassing 3,546 acres of land with more than 650 acres of lakes and impoundments. The property includes upland fields, oak-hickory woodlands, wetlands, and ten natural lakes, making it a unique destination for residents and visitors alike.

“We want to make Tri-County the best that it can be for the visitors that support this property and other Fish and Wildlife Areas around the state,” said Dericke Lavoine, Property Manager at Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area. “In building this new 3D archery range, we’re expanding on our existing firearm and archery facilities and offering archers a new way to practice. It will also be a beautiful outdoor space for anyone just looking to unplug and enjoy the outdoors.”

The new 3-D archery trail will wind through forest, upland, and wetland habitats, offering archers of all skill levels a challenging and engaging experience that uses natural terrain and vegetation. In addition to archery use, the trail will be open to walkers, runners, and dog owners, providing a peaceful outdoor space for a wide range of recreational activities. Like the existing firearm and archery ranges at Tri-County, the trail will be free and open to the public.

“This project expands access to outdoor recreation while supporting the health and wellbeing of our community,” said Andrea Sullivan, Executive Director of the Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative. “Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area already serves as a vital natural resource, and this investment helps ensure it continues to be enjoyed by future generations.”

Lavoine also highlighted the collaborative nature of the project. “This is a collaborative effort between the DNR, OrthoWorx and K21 and it’s a great example of the power of partnership,” he said. “A 3D archery facility is an amenity not previously available in Kosciusko County. It’s exciting to see what’s possible when we’re open to unconventional partnership opportunities.”

Work on the trail is already underway, with plans to open the new amenity by mid-2026.

Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area has been managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources since the early 1950s. The property is supported primarily through hunting and fishing license revenues, as well as federal conservation programs funded by excise taxes on sporting equipment.

The Community Amenities Program supports projects that enhance quality of place across Kosciusko County by investing in public spaces, recreation, and amenities that serve residents and strengthen community life.

About the Community Amenities Program (CAP)
The Community Amenities Program is a countywide initiative designed to enhance quality of life across Kosciusko County by investing in shared spaces and projects that strengthen community connection. Backed by a portion of the Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative’s $30 million commitment from the State of Indiana, CAP helps bring bold community visions to life by combining local, state, and philanthropic resources.

The program is guided by the CAP Committee, a group of community leaders who evaluate proposals and award grants based on their potential to make lasting, countywide impact. Administration of these grants is provided in partnership with the K21 Health Foundation, ensuring that each investment is managed with transparency, accountability, and a focus on long-term community benefit. To find out more about CAP, click here.