MINERVA − Stark Parks secured $2 million in state funds to extend the trail in Minerva Municipal Park to connect to the Nickel Plate Trail.
The planned connector trail would extend north from Minerva Municipal Park, also known as Brock Park, up North Market Street and continuing north following state Route 183 on an off-road path to connect with the existing Nickel Plate Trail.
Sarah Buell, capital projects and planning manager at Stark Parks, said the new trail will bring more people to the village.
"The village of Minerva is such a fun, exciting little downtown and has so much to offer," Buell said. "Being able to make that connection for bike and pedestrian traffic will be a huge draw for them for their downtown area."
Minerva Administrator Greg Mytinger said the new trail would better connect the community.
"The connector trail is much more than a recreational amenity," Mytinger said in an email. "It will safely link Minerva Municipal Park, our schools, downtown businesses, and the Nickel Plate Trail, creating new opportunities for residents and visitors to walk and bike throughout the community."
Stark Parks recently completed a bridge project for a pedestrian bridge over the Sandy Creek at Minerva Municipal Park. The park district also conducted a feasibility study to explore the possible trail connection.
A proposed route was decided based on the feasibility study. The route is not finalized and may be altered during the final planning stages.
The Ohio Department of Transportation is investing $2 million in highway safety improvement funds for the trail project. Buell said the project aims to improve pedestrian safety in a high-traffic area.
"People are crossing a very busy road there at (Route) 183," she said. "There's a risk there."
The park district worked with ODOT on a previous project to improve the pedestrian crossing near PCC Airfoils. The trail project will go further to create a designated path for walkers and bikers.
The state funds are earmarked for fiscal year 2032, so construction could begin as soon as 2031 pending the approval of the final design and other planning and coordination.
One of the goals identified in Stark Parks' 10-year comprehensive plan is to build new trail connections between communities. This project is an example of that, Executive Director Dan Moeglin said.
"This helps fill in some of those gaps to create a true active transportation system across the county," Moeglin said.
Mytinger said he's excited to see the project move forward.
"We believe this project complements the many investments currently taking place throughout Minerva and will continue to strengthen our community as a destination for families, outdoor recreation, and small town tourism," he said.
Reach Grace at 330-580-8364 or [email protected]. Follow her on X @GraceSpringer16.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Stark Parks secures $2 million for Minerva Connector Trail