Sue Corfman, Becky Jewell, Don Noble discuss the updates for the trail with Rails to Trail. Rails to Trails Visits Orrville Rotary Club!
Guest speakers Becky Jewell (Rotarian), Sue Corfman (Rotarian), and Don Noble came to Rotary's weekly meeting to present on what Rails to Trails is and the current projects and future plans they have going on! Sue Corfman shared a bit about the Trail Systems across the country, and specifically discussed the Great American Rail Trail or GART. This trail begins in Washington D.C. and finishes in Washington State; about 50% of it is completed trail, and the other 50% is on roads. It goes through 12 states and more than 50 million people are within 50 miles of the trail! Some people even refer to it as "America's Main Street." Some of the gaps in Wayne County have been identified as a high priority from the Rails to Trails Conservancy or RTC. These trails have really helped to increase physical activity for enjoyment and even provided a method of transportation for individuals to and from work and beyond.
Don Noble came on to discuss the Ohio to Erie Trail. This trail runs from Cincinnati, to Columbus, and all the way up to Cleveland. One of the cool things about it is that you can start by putting your back tire in the Ohio River, and finish by putting your front tire in Lake Erie! One of our local students, Joshua Rittgers, and his brother completed the trail in the Summer of 2022 in just 3 short days. One unique spot on the trail is a portion that runs through Holmes County. It is a duo trail in which half of the area is created for Buggy's and the other half is for walkers/bikers. It is roughly 326 miles, and those that complete it are said to be part of the Three Two Six Club.
Last, Becky Jewell came up to discuss the Industrial Heart Trails Coalition (IHT) as well as some upcoming developments. The current project is to Close the Gap near the Orrville Industrial Park. This would connect Allen Avenue and Forrer Road, running past the solar field and the Lavender Trails. This project costs roughly $1,275,000 in total and they have less than $40,000 left to raise. Their next project is called The Rockies and will connect Orrville to Clinton and the Ohio to Erie Towpath Trail. Total cost for that will be $823,409. Once that is complete, they will move on to what they are calling the Raise Grant to do repairs on about 11.75 miles of trail, and adding 4 solar EV chargers as well as Buggy Detection Systems for safety.
If you are interested in learning more about Rails to Trails, please visit their website at WayneCountyTrails.org or by following them on Facebook at Rails to Trails of Wayne County Ohio. To make a donation, simply visit their website and click the big yellow DONATE button!