Exciting Trail Developments!

By Matt Ayer

As this edition of the Town Crier goes to print, the dream of having a shared-use path connecting our Village to our region’s trail network is becoming closer to reality.

Columbia Connector Fully Funded and Scheduled

If you are at Fifty West Brewing, you may notice that a trail spur from the Little Miami Scenic Trail abruptly ends at Walton Creek. A major development occurred in October when Great Parks was awarded a $2.8M federal grant to extend this trail west, going behind Kroger, across US 50 / Wooster Pike, and terminating at Pocahontas Avenue. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is leading the design of the project. Construction is scheduled to commence in the Spring of 2026. This path

Master Corridor Study Completed

Just this past month, Mariemont received the Feasibility Study commissioned by Village Council

Connector (from previous page) concluded that Mariemont residents (82 percent of respondents) want to connect Murray Path to the Columbia Connector. The preferred route follows the existing utility corridor (and former traction railway route). The engineers presented conceptual plans and cost estimates for significant modifications to improve the two primary street crossings along this route – the Plainville/Murray/Madisonville intersection, and Miami Road near Hiawatha and Rembold. Several changes at each crossing are designed for traffic control and calming, simplified flow, and, most importantly, safety for trail users. While this route for the path is on Village property and requires no right-of-way acquisition, it would pass in front of residential properties, particularly along Murray Road. The engineers were able to address a number of concerns for most of these residents with design features for aesthetics and less intrusive traffic flow.

ODNR Grants 'Segment' Award

Feasibilty Study Timeline

With the feasibility study commencing and funded via private donations, in April 2022 Mariemont applied for a Clean Ohio Trails Fund grant to extend the trail from the foot of Pocahontas Avenue to Miami Road. Acceptance of this grant, if awarded, would be contingent on the results of the Feasibility Study and adoption of an overall plan by Council. On February 23, ODNR advised our Village Engineer, Chris Ertel, that Mariemont has been awarded a grant of $230,000 to construct this path segment. This grant requires a 25 percent match, which has already been secured through the private donors (including many Mariemont residents) supporting Tri-State Trails, a regional non-profit dedicated to connecting people with a regional trail network.

What is Next?

The next step is for our Village Council to review the Feasibility Study and to consider adopting its recommendations, and to make a decision concerning moving forward with the ODNR grant. While a conceptual drawing of the Pocahontas-to-Miami pathway was provided in the grant application, a final alignment will be developed with opportunity for public input prior to producing construction drawings and seeking bids for construction. The balance of 2023 will provide ample time to plan for construction of this new segment in Spring 2024. Similar to the Murray Path project, landscaping enhancements to this trail section would likely be funded via private donations and fundraisers.

Meanwhile, local trail advocates are researching grant opportunities that can make the proposed intersection improvements and a final trail segment (from Miami to Plainville) a reality. Imagine, in just a few short years, a safe, off-road trail will connect our village eastward to the Little Miami Scenic Trail, and westward to the Wasson Way and the entire 34-mile loop of the Cincinnati Riding or Walking Network. Judging by the frequent use and enjoyment of the initial Murray Path project, the continuation of a shared use path through Mariemont will be a major enhancement, in keeping with our founders’ desires for outdoor activities and healthful living.