ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. -- In celebration of National Pollinator Week, Elkhart County Parks is inviting community members to an open house at Corson Riverwoods County Park for the ribbon-cutting and exploration of the new 1.5-mile Pollinator Playpath.

The open house is Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m.

Parks officials say the 82-acre park has been in a period of growth and development since the land was donated by Thomas Corson in late 2018, and this pathway will be a main feature of the park.

Corson, a co-founder of Coachman Industries, wanted a space that would foster connections with the river, woods, and open spaces. Corson passed away in 2019.

“It has been wonderful to watch this park literally grow,” stated Ronda DeCaire, Director of Parks. “What was a small, cultivated corn field next to the Little Elkhart River for at least 80 years has grown into an amazing park that protects more than a mile of cold-water trout stream, establishes prairie and forest habitats, and features a trail for children to connect to the outdoors.”

The new path features a giant crawl through beehive, climbing trees and ladybugs, giant monarch and caterpillar, as well as accessible swings and twirling elements. Eagle Scout Logan Labno with Troop 007 also constructed a storybook trail along the playpath to compliment the activity pods.

“There are still more things to accomplish at Corson Riverwoods as we receive additional grants and gifts.” stated DeCaire, “We envision trail expansion into portions of the woodland and wet meadows in addition to a future boardwalk to allow for more connection to the Little Elkhart River.”

You can find more information about Elkhart County Parks, programs, and reservations online or by calling the administrative office at 574-535-6458.

Corson Riverwoods County Park is located at 12773 C.R. 12 in Middlebury.