Pike County Progress Partners has received a $5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to develop the Buffalo Trace Trail.

The 2.5-mile trail will connect to Petersburg’s existing 5-mile fitness path, enhancing accessibility and walkability for residents. It will also feature public art led by Indiana University’s Center for Rural Engagement and include efforts to remove blighted properties.

Ashley Willis with the Pike County Economic Development Corporation told the Southern Indiana Business Report  that the initiative is  “a transformative quality-of-place project” that will benefit both current and future families.

The three-year project is expected to boost community involvement and pride, property values, and regional growth.