By 1808Delaware
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is helping communities maintain or add new trail systems through the Recreational Trails (RTP) and Clean Ohio Trails programs.
Grants recipients include the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Watercraft for a new bike path in Delaware County.
“There is nothing better than getting out on Ohio’s trails and taking in the natural beauty Ohio has to offer,” Governor Mike DeWine said. “We’re pleased that more communities will get the opportunity to improve upon and add to their trail systems through these grant awards.”
ODNR administers the federal RTP grant program, which reimburses up to 80 percent of a project’s funding. Chosen projects create and maintain trails, improve access for people with disabilities, and provide education about trail safety and the environment.
“The love and appreciation people have for the great outdoors is often found on the scenic trails that can be found in all parts of our great state,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “These grants help local communities offer families new and exciting ways to get outside, encouraging a true appreciation of our natural resources.”
From forests to park systems, the projects chosen to receive funding from the Recreational Trails program include $150,000 for construction of 4.5 miles of new mountain bike trail at Alum Creek State Park.
Other Recreation Trails grants include projects in Hocking, Athens, and Portage Counties. The City of Columbus received $500,000 for construction of 1.5 miles of the Big Walnut Trail from Winchester Pike to Helsel Park. According to the grant paperwork:
“This project will connect two existing mountain bike trails at Alum Creek known as P1 and P2 enabling trail users to ride both trails without needing to ride on Africa Road or drive to the other trailhead. New trail will be constructed to meet International Mountain Bicycling Association standards for sustainable trails and Kootenay Adaptive Sports Association adaptive mountain biking trail standard. In addition to utilizing the existing north and south multipurpose trails, west of Africa Road, we will be building an additional 4.5 miles of new trail creating a complete trail system totaling over 22 miles of connected trail. This meets the required distance needed for an IMBA Epic trail which is part of the Ohio Trail Vision. Existing multipurpose trails will be utilized for a portion of the trail.”
The Clean Ohio Trails Fund, administered by ODNR, is one of three components of the Clean Ohio Fund, which restores, protects, and connects Ohio’s natural and urban places. Ohioans approved the establishment of the $400 million bond program in 2000. This is the 17th round of funding to be awarded through the Clean Ohio Trails Fund.
To date, the Clean Ohio Trails Fund has awarded nearly $112 million to provide Ohioans with better access to recreational opportunities through the creation of nearly 511 miles of trails and the acquisition of 128 miles of abandoned railroad and greenway corridors. To learn more about Ohio’s trails, please visit trails.ohiodnr.gov.
