|
Marion County Park District |
|
Marion Tallgrass Trail |
|
The Marion County Park District has purchased a 12 mile stretch of abandoned railway from CSX. A parking lot has been paved at the trailhead facility, and a trailhead building has been completed. We have a $100,000 grant to build the first section of the trail, and have raised a $33,333 local match for this. We anticipate that this will be enough to convert two railroad bridges for trail use, and to pave part of the first mile of trail.
Engineers have designed this first stretch, and we are currently advertising for bids. We anticipate opening bids on Friday, July 16, and awarding a contract on August 4, so that construction can be completed this year.
As we move forward on this year’s construction, we are actively raising matching funds to extend the trail next year. We anticipate needing $155,000 in matching funds in 2011, plus additional funds to set aside for future maintenance. You can help, by donating.
The park district has used grants from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to purchase the land and develop the first mile of the trail. Many generous sponsors have donated to help with the local matching funds for these grants, and more donations are needed to serve as matching funds for the rest of the trail.
The first section of the trail to be finished will be the easternmost stretch, starting at Gateway to Health park on Holland Road (1.7 miles west of Marion). We will pursue additional grants in order to develop the remainder of the trail, which will eventually go west and slightly north to the Hardin County line.
We anticipate opening a short stretch of paved trail this year, and opening up pedestrian access to Herr Road, where there is a beautiful pond. The trail will eventually pass through the Big Island Wildlife area, and the entire trail will have a delightful mix of shade and open areas.
We're excited about this trail, and are looking forward to being great neighbors to those who live near the trail. |
|
Above: Location of eastern terminus of Tall Grass Prairie Trail. |
|
Naturally wild, naturally fun! |
|
Karen Kelley, Director, Marion County Park District
Phone: (740) 223-4161
|
|
Below: Blue line shows the eventual route of the Tall Grass Prairie trail. Trail will initially be developed at eastern end (near Marion). |
|
Would you consider a donation? |