Communities unite for ambitious trail project funding

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the development of a new linear park and trail system that aims to connect several municipalities, including Upper Arlington, Columbus, Marble Cliff, Grandview Heights, and Hilliard. The project, which is still in its early stages, involves the acquisition of approximately 21,000 feet of land, with Columbus holding the largest share at 34 acres, while Upper Arlington has a smaller section of about 2.2 acres.

The proposed trail is envisioned as a seamless transition between communities, eliminating signage that indicates when one municipality ends and another begins. This approach aims to create a unified experience for visitors, with Metroparks taking responsibility for maintenance tasks such as snow removal and debris clearance.

Key to the project's advancement is the partnership with the Open Space Institute, which specializes in rail line acquisitions and will handle the purchase contract and preliminary surveying. The project has already secured $10.5 million in funding from the state of Ohio, significantly reducing the anticipated costs for municipalities involved.

However, challenges remain, particularly regarding the financing of the project. The municipalities will need to collaborate to determine how to share the costs, with estimates suggesting that an additional $14 to $16 million may be required for the takedown of the land. Discussions are ongoing with potential partners, including the city of Columbus and the county, to secure the necessary funds.

The project is also linked to the Rapid5 initiative, which focuses on enhancing trail connectivity and utilizing underused river corridors. While Rapid5 is not yet a mature funding source, its political influence is seen as beneficial for garnering support from local councils and state legislators.

As the municipalities begin to engage in more detailed discussions, officials expressed optimism about the project's viability, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and commitment from all parties involved. The next steps will involve further due diligence and financial planning to ensure the successful realization of this ambitious community project.