The Edward J. Fansler Pathways, originally named the Rochester Pathways, were conceived in 1993 by Mayor Edward J. Fansler. The first of three phases stretches from E. 8th Street through the Fulton County Airport grounds. The Pathways was completely funded by private donations and was dedicated to the City on June 1, 1996. It was Ed's dream to develop the pathway throughout the city. Edward J. Fansler was Rochester's 17th mayor, serving from 1992 to 1995. A Democrat, he was president of the Rochester City Council from 1988 to 1991, served on the Water Board, was a member of the Park & Recreation Board from 1979 to 1985, and served on the Board of Works. His love of children and family was evident in his ideas in creating the popular Summer Park Program and in building the Sledding Hill. His enthusiasm for a healthy lifestyle was evident throughout his life. He was an outstanding athlete in high school, enjoyed organizing and playing slow pitch softball, and was an avid golfer. He was very proud of his time with the Indiana Dept. of Commerce, where he was the Community Development Specialist from 1997 to 2003 and secured in excess of $23,000,000 in Federal Community Development Block Grant funds for communities in a 20 County area. In January 2004 he was promoted to Project Manager, Region 4 Office in Kokomo, Indiana. On September 26, 2003, he received the Sagamores of the Wabash Award from Indiana Governor Frank O'Bannon. Edward J. Fansler lived from 1941 to 2004.