05-06-2008, 11:10 AM
*$445,000 from the Clean Ohio Trails Fund supported the project*
COLUMBUS, OH - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources and its local partners in the City of Canton and Stark County dedicated the five-mile Canton Downtown Connector Trail today as part of an ongoing celebration of the Clean Ohio Fund and its support of recreational trail construction statewide.
An award of $445,000 from the Clean Ohio Trails Fund helped build the trail, which is slated for completion by fall. The Stark County Park District contributed $145,000 to the $950,000 project, with the City of Canton picking up the $360,000 balance.
"Our economic and social health calls for us to strengthen our connection to our natural world," said ODNR Director Sean D. Logan. "The dedication of this trail represents a new way to connect to nature and is another great example of what can be accomplished when communities, businesses and conservationists work together toward a common goal."
The trail runs north from 9^th Street S.W. in West Park through Old Mother Goose Land, Water Works Park, Monument Park, Stadium Park and Ink Park, ending at Covered Bridge Park. An underpass at West Tuscarawas Street and two bridges - one north of 12^th Street and another north of Fulton Drive - allow users to travel unhindered along the paved trailway.
The Clean Ohio Fund, approved by voters in November 2000, is a $400 million bond program aimed at revitalizing blighted urban areas, protecting rivers and watersheds, preserving green space and farmland and expanding Ohio's system of recreational trails.
More than 219 miles of recreational trails were constructed with $25 million allocated for that purpose under the original initiative. These trails improve quality of life and boost outdoor recreational opportunities for all Ohioans. Local governments, parks and joint recreation districts, conservancy districts, soil and water conservancy districts and non-profit organizations applied for the trail funds, agreeing to provide a 25 percent match. The local matches included contributions of land, labor or materials.
Recognizing the importance of this program, Governor Ted Strickland proposed renewal of the Clean Ohio Fund in his bi-partisan economic stimulus plan. The issue is expected to appear on the November ballot.
COLUMBUS, OH - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources and its local partners in the City of Canton and Stark County dedicated the five-mile Canton Downtown Connector Trail today as part of an ongoing celebration of the Clean Ohio Fund and its support of recreational trail construction statewide.
An award of $445,000 from the Clean Ohio Trails Fund helped build the trail, which is slated for completion by fall. The Stark County Park District contributed $145,000 to the $950,000 project, with the City of Canton picking up the $360,000 balance.
"Our economic and social health calls for us to strengthen our connection to our natural world," said ODNR Director Sean D. Logan. "The dedication of this trail represents a new way to connect to nature and is another great example of what can be accomplished when communities, businesses and conservationists work together toward a common goal."
The trail runs north from 9^th Street S.W. in West Park through Old Mother Goose Land, Water Works Park, Monument Park, Stadium Park and Ink Park, ending at Covered Bridge Park. An underpass at West Tuscarawas Street and two bridges - one north of 12^th Street and another north of Fulton Drive - allow users to travel unhindered along the paved trailway.
The Clean Ohio Fund, approved by voters in November 2000, is a $400 million bond program aimed at revitalizing blighted urban areas, protecting rivers and watersheds, preserving green space and farmland and expanding Ohio's system of recreational trails.
More than 219 miles of recreational trails were constructed with $25 million allocated for that purpose under the original initiative. These trails improve quality of life and boost outdoor recreational opportunities for all Ohioans. Local governments, parks and joint recreation districts, conservancy districts, soil and water conservancy districts and non-profit organizations applied for the trail funds, agreeing to provide a 25 percent match. The local matches included contributions of land, labor or materials.
Recognizing the importance of this program, Governor Ted Strickland proposed renewal of the Clean Ohio Fund in his bi-partisan economic stimulus plan. The issue is expected to appear on the November ballot.