City and community leaders gathered in October (Oct. 23) to celebrate the completion of the Batesville Greenway Trail Addition.
Hosted by the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, the ribbon-cutting took place along the newly redesigned half-mile stretch of Main Street that now features a dedicated pedestrian and bike path. The project converted a portion of the roadway from two lanes to one, creating new recreation space and safer access for walkers and cyclists.
Parks Director Lowen Lermitte said the addition symbolizes more than just infrastructure improvement. “It’s a real commitment to enhancing our quality of life and strengthening our community,” he said, thanking residents, city staff, and partners including Citizens Bank, Shawkat Ali and ETC Engineers and Architects, and the late Jeff Owens, the city’s former parks director.
Lermitte also outlined plans for the next phase of the Greenway, which would connect Main Street to Riverside Park. “This critical link will ensure our citizens have safe, healthy access for walking and biking,” he said. “We’re tying our downtown core to our natural assets and new amenities.”
Mayor Rick Elumbaugh praised the project as another example of Batesville’s progress and collaboration. “This Greenway Trail Main Street Addition represents community spirit,” Elumbaugh said. “It was the last project our late and beloved parks director, Jeff Owens, saw from start to finish. His attention to detail is visible throughout—from the placement of every tree to the glowing stamped concrete that makes this trail truly unique.”
Back row, from left: Citizens Bank Regional President Micah Beard, Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh, Citizens Bank Senior Vice President Commercial Lending Jerrod Sandefur; front row, from left: Citizens Bank Vice President Commercial Lending Landon Downing, Citizens Bank Board Member Kay Southerland. The bank sponsored the new benches along Main Street.
The project was completed through the combined efforts of the City of Batesville, city engineer Damon Johnson, ETC Engineers, and Wagner Construction. Citizens Bank sponsored the new benches along Main Street.
Ambassadors in attendance included Andrea Bruner (Network of Community Options), Ashlyn Blevins (Myers-Davis Life Coaching), Cori Perkey (Southern Bank), Crystal Kimmer (White River Health), Julie Hinkle (Bank of Cave City), Lori Campbell (Batesville School District), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Peter Rouiler (First Community Bank), Sarah Ring (Southern Bank), Silje Antonsen (First Community Bank), and Sydney Wood (Main Street Batesville).
Images via the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce
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