Great Parks wants to hear from you about their plans for a 25-mile shared trail

HAMILTON COUNTY, Ohio — Great Parks has unveiled an overview of its plan to build a 25-mile shared trail connecting southwestern Hamilton County with Butler County and passing through three parks.

The trail is designed to begin at Shawnee Lookout, travel north to Mitchell Memorial Forest, continue to Miami Whitewater Forest, and cross the border into Butler County. The route follows the natural path of the Great Miami River.

A map of the trail has not yet been finalized, and the rendering is considered “strictly conceptual,” according to Great Parks. The park system told WCPO that its leaders have spoken with stakeholders, local governments and businesses that would be involved with the trail. Meetings and discussions will continue, particularly where the trail crosses into private property, Great Park said.

The website that displays the route on the map has the following disclaimer: “The alignment shown below and on the following tabs is strictly conceptual at this time. More detailed studies and design development will be required prior to construction of each segment of the trail. As part of that effort, all affected property owners will be contacted directly to further discuss the proposed use of their property and, if agreed upon by all parties, permanent easements or property acquisitions through a purchase process.“

The parks system said it is part of the West Region Blueway & Trail System, which Great Parks described as a “new initiative to bring people closer to nature and remove barriers to the natural world.”

Those interested in the project can view a full overview of the trail, including the direction it is headed, the steps Great Park has taken, and what the future holds for the project, via this link.

“I think it would be very popular,” said Mike Lies, who concluded a 52-mile bike ride at Shawnee Lookout on Thursday morning.

The project description informed the public that Great Parks plans to make the trail “completely separate” from busy roads and cars. The proposed path shows the trail running close to I-74 and I-275 as it heads north. Great Parks CEO Todd Palmeter told WCPO that they are working closely with the Ohio Department of Transportation to ensure the safety of those traveling along the trail.

“In some cases we’re going to have to cross the river, to one side for the most favorable alignment, for the safest alignment,” Palmer said.

Great Parks is also interested in hearing from the public about the project. A survey is being conducted to allow people who plan to use the trail to voice their concerns and what they hope to see.

Questions include general interest in the trail, how often they cycle, walk or run on the trail, and what amenities they would like to see.

“I think it’s important for the community to have their say, especially when it comes to tax levies,” said Clara Schneider, who enjoyed her day at Mitchell Memorial Park.

Palmer told us that the money for the project will come from a “three-way financing model.” The three parties are Great Parks, its philanthropic partners, and state and federal dollars. The state and federal money will come from both taxpayer dollars and grants, the Great Parks CEO said.

Great Parks said the project will take some time to complete and that steps must first be taken to determine the exact route, before focusing on financing.

“Without a final alignment, we really don’t know how much it’s going to cost,” Palmer said.

The survey is open until Monday, September 2.