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Construction Updates
Bike/ train excursions from Akron will be easier
As reported in the Akron Beacon Journal on August 22, 2010. Akron is getting $173,186 in state funds to connect the Ohio & Eric Canal Towpath Trail and the Northside Station.
The money will be used to acquire 2.9 acres and build an 1,100-foot asphalt-paved trail between the rail station for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and the Beech Street Trail-head just north of downtown Akron.
The route would cross Howard Street using the bridge abutments next to the rail trestle used by the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, said Akron Spokesman Ralph Coletta.
Design work for the nearly $1.2 million project is to get underway late this year. Much of the route is an old rail line owned by the ODOT.
Grant paves way for trail additions
As reported in the Akron Beacon Journal on August 14, 2010. The Summit County Trail & Grenway Community Grants were announced this week by the Akron-based Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition that manages the county trail program.
Among the grants are:
$40,000 to the city of Barberton for improvements to the Robinson Avenue trailhead to the Towpath Trai.
$8,500 to Copley Township for engineering along the Pigeon Creek/Wolf Creek trail and greenway.
Land Purchase
As reported in the Akron Beacon Journal on July 30, 2010. The Trust for Public Land and Ohio Canal Corridor announced the acquisition of two adjoining properties along the Cuyahoga River to expand the Ohio & Eric Canal Towpath Trail.
The two properties cover 11 acres and include 2,800 linear feet of the trail that will extend from Harvard Avenue to the proposed Canal Basin Park.
The trust purchased the two properties off Scranton Road through a combination of fees and easements. The properties will serve as a junction where the Towpath Trail connects with two other trails.
Construction of a trail link between Firestone Metro Park, the proposed Confluence Park and the TowPath Trail.
As report in the Akron Beacon Journal, July 28, 2010. The park district's commissioners, (Metro Parks, Serving Summit County), agreed to spend an additional $50,000 on a nearly $4.8 million project on South Main Street over a feeder canal near Firestone Metro Park. The project would provide a trail link between Firestone Metro Park, the proposed Confluence Park and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Plans call for raising South Main Street about two feet over the old feeder canal.
Construction of the connector to the Robinson Avenue Bridge.
This project has moved into the actual design phase of the project. The City of Barberton has contracted with Floyd Browne Group to begin the actual designing of the bridge.
Last week the Planning Dept found out they have been awarded an extra $40,000 from the Ohio Erie Canal Coalition. This is Federal money handed out through Summit County/Russ Pry. They are now looking for the remaining construction money and are looking forward to entering the construction phase.
Have you noticed one of these signs?
You may have noticed signs such as this one if you have traveled along the 110 mile America's Byway running through the Ohio & Eric Canalway. The signage can be found in each of the four counties located in the Canalway-Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark and Tuscarawas.
The Ohio & Erie Canalway is a National Heritage Area. It was designated by Congress to help preserve the area that grew up along the first 110 miles of the canal that helped Ohio as well as our nation grow. The National Scenic Byways Program is part of the U.S. Dept. of Transporation, Fed. Highway Adm. America's Byways® is a distinctive collection of American roads, their stories and treasured places.
From Summit Metro Parks Construction Updates
June 2010-work has begun on the final leg in Summit County stretching from downtown Akron to Summit Lake. The project is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2011. Also, the Cascade Locks Phase II section is open, leading from the Mustill Store to downtown Akron.
Our ride to the Arkon Aeros Game- Labor day
 Towpath Tags
Support the Trail with a Towpath Tag!
Did you know:
The Towpath Trail is patrolled by park rangers and volunteer Trailblazers. They are available to share information and assist with emergencies. This service costs about $100,000 annually.
The Towpath Trail lies in a flood plain between the canal and the Cuyahoga River. Erosion damage from the river and large storms make more expensive repairs occasionally necessary.
The Towpath Trail is popular, receiving over 2 million visits each year.
Towpath Tags cost just $5 each, and proceeds contribute to trail maintenance.
You may purchase tags in person at the Nature Realm visitors center, daily from noon to 5 p.m., and at the administrative offices, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also purchase the tags by double clicking the image of the towpath tag. It will open a new window to the website of the Cuyahoga National Park Association.
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