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Towpath news and other info about Healthy Kids
I met today with Assistant Planning Director, Joe Stefan. We talked about the TowPath access into downtown Barberton, how the economic climate has affected the funding of the TowPath projects and Healthy Kids.
Ruth-It was reported this past fall that Barberton received a $25.000 grant from the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition.What can you tell me about how the grant money will be utilized?
Joe-The $25000 is one of two grants received. Also received was a $68000 grant from the Ohio and Erie Canalway Association. In addition, the Magic City Kiwanis has approved $10,000 for the project. These monies will be used primarily for phase one of two phases
Phase one includes: the connector from the TowPath Trail by the Robinson Avenue bridge, a bridge to be built over the canal, a ramp to the Robinson Avenue bridge and a trail head to be located catty-corner from McDonalds. The proposed trail head would include a parking area, a kiosk for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for TowPath information, benches, a drinking fountain, and rain gardens. The bridge from the trail across the canal is the costliest part of the project-it could take $100, 000. Engineers will be hired for the planning of the bridge once the weather breaks. We expect the bridge to be up and running by summer.
Phase two involves a sound wall along the auto recycling yard by the Snyder Avenue trailhead. The sound wall would replace the existing metal fence installed by the business owner, as well as control the view and access to the business. Possible plans for the wall include a mural depicting the growth of Barberton.
Ruth- Has the change in the economic climate affected the grants you mentioned and the other monies requested for the TowPath projects?
Joe- The two grants are fine- we will begin drawing on them when we start work on the bridge. Also we have the approval of the $10,000 by the Magic City Kiwanis. We also anticipate applying for a grant to the Barberton Community Foundation
but, they are not accepting or approving any anything at this time.
Ruth- What are the plans for connecting the new Robinson Avenue trailhead with downtown Barberton?
Joe The Department is working with the Barberton Historical Society on a pamphlet of downtown businesses with information and a map to be placed at the kiosk at the trailhead as well as along the TowPath points of interest areas. The project has been a collaborative effort with ODNR, the Planning Department, Barberton Historical Society and Grow Barberton Inc. to stimulate and promote business into downtown.
Ruth On a bicycle related note, is Barberton involved in Safe Routes for Kids-safe walking and bicycling routes to promote healthy kids?
Joe Yes, the City of Barberton received an $18,000 grant in collaboration with Barberton City Schools for a study with URS Corporation to assist in setting up routes for kids for Johnson Elementary, U.L.Light (which will become an elementary school after construction of the new middle school) and Woodford Elementary.
URS will be collecting crash data from the Ohio Dept of Transportation, reviewing pedestrian facilities and traffic control items. They collect data within two miles of the schools. They will also be coordinating with the school and city officials. A committee has been created and hosted by the schools. The committee is meeting at each school to review bike and walkability to the schools. Barberton Police Chief Michael Kallai is also involved in this project.
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