Southern Indiana Business Report
INDIANAPOLIS – The Greenways Foundation of Indiana named Radius Indiana CEO and President Jeff Quyle the Outstanding Trail Advocate for 2024 for his work and advocacy to bring a new trail to southern Indiana.
Quyle was presented the award during the Greenways Foundation Trails Celebration luncheon Friday in Indianapolis.
In 2021, Quyle became involved in the early planning of the Monon South Trail, a 60-mile trail that will be the longest pedestrian and bicycle trail in southern Indiana. As the vision for the trail moved from a sketch book, to engineering, public meetings and eventually a groundbreaking, Quyle has been involved in every aspect of the project.
“This massive project required not only fiscal understanding but also visionary leadership with the ability to coordinate and advise,” read his nomination. “Jeff Quyle naturally fit this role. Without Jeff’s tireless promotion of the South Monon Trail along with his focus on sustainability for future generations, none of this would be possible. His work through Radius exhibits not only his ability to lead but his understanding of balancing the community’s needs and resources.”
In 2024, construction began on Phase 1 of the trail, which will complete 20 miles of trail and trailheads. The Monon South Trail will stretch from Mitchell to New Albany and will link the communities of Orleans, Campbellsburg, Saltillo, Salem, New Pekin and Borden. To date, the Orleans and Mitchell sections of the trail are open. The Borden section will open May 2.
“We have been blessed with a highly collaborative group of regional leaders and service providers who worked together to make the Monon South Trail a success. The award today is a tribute to all of them!” Quyle said.
Beyond the recreational and health benefits of the trail, Quyle has engaged with the communities along the trail to support local small businesses that can benefit from visitors who will come to walk, run and bike the trail.
The Greenways Foundation projects the completed trail will have an annual economic impact of $8.5 million and generate $1.1 million in new tax revenue.
The Monon South Trail is part of the state’s Next Level Trails program. The state provided $29.5 million to start the project and chose Radius Indiana to oversee and lead development of the trail.
Next Level Trails has invested $180 million in developing trails statewide since 2018. The Monon South Trail, which will span five counties, is one of 17 new trail projects currently under construction through the support of Next Level Trails.
About the Greenways Foundation
Greenways Foundation champions Indiana’s network of trails to enhance the sustainability and health of communities across the state. We strive to create and maintain vibrant land and water trails that benefit all Hoosiers today and for generations to come through strategic grantmaking to organizations and communities, advocacy for the development and maintenance of trail infrastructure, educational initiatives, and targeted local support.