The Marion Community Greenway is looking toward the future as organizers continue discussing possible expansion of the existing multi use path system in the Marion Local area.

Greenway committee members Ben Moeller and Brad Knapke joined WCSM’s Spectrum on Friday to discuss the project and the upcoming sixth annual Greenway Gala.

The current path stretches approximately 2.1 miles from the Winans area to Marion Township Park. Organizers say the trail is already used by residents for walking, biking, dog walking and other outdoor activities.

Moeller said the long term vision goes beyond the path that is currently in place.

One of the goals being discussed is creating a connection between Maria Stein and Chickasaw, while organizers are also hearing interest in eventually connecting additional communities throughout the Marion Local area.

Moeller said safety is one of the primary reasons behind the effort.

“Traffic is just a different animal than what it was when I was a kid,” Moeller said. “You can’t send your kid down the highway on a bike and feel safe about it necessarily anymore.”

He said the goal is to eventually provide more opportunities for people to move between communities without relying solely on roadways.

Organizers said they have also received community interest in possible future connections involving areas such as St. Sebastian and Osgood.

Any future expansion would require significant planning and funding.

Knapke said grants through state agencies and other funding sources could play a role, while local fundraising remains important. Organizers said money raised through the Greenway Gala can help with upkeep of the current path, future planning and potentially provide matching money for grant opportunities.

The multi use path operates under the Marion Community Development Organization.

The sixth annual Greenway Gala is scheduled for Saturday, September 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Heritage Park Woods area in Maria Stein.

Organizers described the Gala as an adult centered evening featuring local food, drinks, live music and art in a wooded setting decorated with lights.

Tickets are $60 per person and include food and drink tastings throughout the evening.

Several local food and beverage vendors are expected to participate, including Silas Creative Kitchen, The Deli Barn, Caddy’s Do Good, Winner’s Meats, Holy Smokes, Moeller Brew Barn, Versailles Winery, The Social Bar, Second Crossing Brewery, Municipal Brew Works and Crooked Handle Brewing.

Zach Rosenbeck is scheduled to provide acoustic entertainment during the evening.

The event will also include a live art component. Local artist Jenna Walterbusch is expected to create a patriotic themed oil painting during the event. The completed piece will then be sold through a live auction.

Brandon Arling is scheduled to serve as auctioneer.

Organizers said last year’s Greenway Gala took on a special purpose following the fire at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Maria Stein.

Proceeds from the 2025 event were directed toward the church restoration effort, with organizers saying approximately $37,000 was raised.

This year, proceeds will again support the multi use path and future Greenway efforts.

Moeller and Knapke said the project is not only about bicycling. They said the Greenway also provides families, walkers, runners and other residents with a safer and quieter place to be outdoors.

Moeller said the ultimate goal is to continue building something that gives residents a safe way to enjoy the community.

“The main thing is safety,” Knapke said. “We want to have safety for our kids. That’s the ultimate goal.”

Organizers are encouraging people interested in the September 12 Gala to purchase tickets in advance so food vendors can prepare for attendance.