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Wood County Park District seeks Bowling Green mayor's support for $20,000 Slippery Elm Trail signage project
Summary
The Wood County Park District asked Bowling Green for a support letter for a NatureWorks grant to replace intersection signs on the 13-mile Slippery Elm Trail; the project would replace about 80 posts and signs at 19 intersections and is estimated at $20,000.
Chris Smalley, director of the Wood County Park District, told council the Slippery Elm Trail — a 13-mile multi-use path from Bowling Green to North Baltimore — is showing wear after nearly 30 years of use and needs maintenance.
Smalley said the district is applying for an Ohio Department of Natural Resources NatureWorks grant to replace trail intersection signage. The scope described to council includes 19 inner-T intersections and about 80 posts and signs, with a project cost estimate of approximately $20,000. The Park District is coordinating with the Wood County Engineer’s Office on planning, permitting and installation.
Smalley asked council for a letter of support from the mayor as part of the community-engagement portion of the grant application. Council members asked clarifying questions about whether the work was replacement only or included other intersection safety improvements; Smalley said the immediate project is focused on replacing existing trail signage, while signs or infrastructure in municipal or ODOT right-of-way would require coordination with those jurisdictions.
Smalley emphasized the trail’s heavy year-round use and said signage replacement is a maintenance priority rather than a redesign. He provided a fact sheet to council showing the intersections and proposed sign counts. No formal vote was taken; staff and the mayor may follow up on a letter of support if requested by the Park District.
Council members indicated general receptiveness to the request and asked staff to consider next steps for interagency coordination and support.
