COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz announced today that ODNR is providing more than $6.64 million in grants for new and improved trails for hiking, biking, walking, running, and other outdoor activities.
The grants are being awarded through the Clean Ohio Trails Fund which works to improve outdoor recreational opportunities for Ohioans. The funding will go toward 20 trail projects in Ashtabula, Clinton, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Delaware, Franklin, Greene, Hamilton, Lorain, Medina, Summit, Warren, and Williams counties.
“Trails are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and stay active,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “By providing these grants, we can help communities across the state provide Ohioans with more options for recreation.”
“The Clean Ohio Trails Fund continues to improve access to recreational opportunities for all Ohioans,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “Trails are a safe and fun way for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect with nature.”
Projects approved for funding include:
- $500,000 for Lorain County Metroparks to construct the 1.7-mile Wellington Connector, a 10 feet-wide paved multi-use trail.
- $463,730 for the City of Columbus to construct the first phase of the Eastmoor Green Line which will extend 2.3 miles from the central near east neighborhoods to the western edge of the City of Whitehall.
- $500,000 for Greene County to develop an asphalt trail that links Yellow Springs High School, the Village of Yellow Springs, Antioch College, and Agraria (a regenerative agriculture center).
- $350,000 for the City of Cincinnati to construct a 1-mile paved section of the Ohio River Trail West.
More information on additional projects can be found in the attachment [pdf].
The $6.64 million in grants will be used to acquire land for new trails; build and improve trail infrastructure, including regional trail systems and bridges; create links to statewide trails; and develop trail connections from urban areas to recreational areas. The investments help facilitate travel and provide safe and scenic trails where Ohioans can hike, bike, and run.
Grant recipients provide a 25% match for their projects.
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 14th round of funding to be awarded through the Clean Ohio Trails Fund.
To date, the Clean Ohio Trails Fund has awarded more than $93.31 million to provide Ohioans with better access to recreational opportunities through the creation of more than 479 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.