Tim McClurg, a Gahanna resident who gave public comment to the Parks & Recreation Board, asked why the proposed bike‑path connection across I‑270 would rely on a signalized crossing rather than a tunnel under the entrance/exit ramps and raised concerns about trailhead parking and downtown lighting.

“I talked to the city planner about that,” McClurg told the board. “He said it would be impossible to do a [tunnel] because you have to be 14 feet for semis and things like that.” McClurg asked the board to explain why a tunnel underneath the entrance and exit ramps hadn’t been pursued and whether an under‑ramp crossing might avoid forcing cyclists and pedestrians to use a crosswalk across a ramp entrance.

He also asked whether the city had adequate property near the trail start by Rocky Fork/nearby churches to build a small 10–15 space parking lot to eliminate the practice of visitors parking on neighborhood streets. “Most people park at the church across the street,” he said, and added that a formal parking spot could reduce neighborhood impacts.

McClurg urged restoration of holiday lighting on the Mill Street bridge, saying prior decorative lights added visibility and highlighted the bridge from Creekside. He also proposed installing directional spotlights at the lower falls to create a feature similar to other well‑lit falls, with changing colors for seasonal events.

Board members acknowledged McClurg’s concerns; the transcript records McClurg’s questions and requests but does not include a technical or engineering response from city staff on the feasibility or cost of a tunnel, nor does it record an immediate commitment to build a parking lot or change lighting. The board referred some related transportation and wayfinding work to the master plan and to an upcoming ODOT wayfinding grant that staff said will fund kiosks and signage along the Big Walnut Trail.

What’s next: McClurg’s comments were entered into the meeting record for consideration; the board did not adopt a motion on the items during this meeting.