Group forms to create a new recreational trail and park
By Teri Stein
January 24, 2011
269
Dan Rice, of the Ohio and Erie Canalway Coalition, will be the featured speaker at a meeting in Tuscarawas on February 8 of individuals interested in developing trails and parks in Tuscarawas and Warwick Township and adjoining areas. The meeting will be held at the Tuscarawas Community Center at 7 p.m.
At their first meeting on Tuesday January 11, the group showed optimism and foresight. On one of the worst weather nights this winter, the fifteen attendees envisioned walking, biking, and enjoying outdoor activities along a new trail and park they hope to construct.
The meeting was organized by Tuscarawas resident, Joe Krocker. The idea for a trail came from the Warwick Lions club, but the club felt it was too much for them to do alone. The purpose of the new group will be to raise funds to plan, develop, and maintain parks and green spaces.
The first step in making a recreational path available is to raise the $13,000 needed to draw up a trail and green space plan. The village of Tuscarawas has really kicked in with a pledge of $5,000, said Krocker, adding that two additional pledges of $500 and $100 have already been received. Other groups and government agencies are in support of the plan.
The community group will be working with the Village of Tuscarawas, Warwick Township, the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, Tuscarawas County Parks Department, and other organizations.
All ideas are being considered at this time, but the group would like to see the initial section of trail follow the old feeder canal from Sharon Drive to the new boat access area and then extend toward Gnadenhutten along the Tuscarawas River, all on land currently owned by the village.
The village has the ultimate say, but they represent us and we can help them by telling them what we want, said Krocker.
One attendee pointed out the trail would help village residents to get items they use everyday safely. We cant even walk to the Marathon station, the only place in town that sells groceries, without walking in the street, noted a group member.
Another pointed out that a trail would make it easier for young people interested in fishing to safely reach the villages Tuscarawas River boat dock area. Another idea suggested was to add ball fields to village property along the proposed trail route.
It was also noted that the trail could be used by the Indian Valley cross country teams for their practices.
Trails add value to a community, a trail is like a linear park, said Krocker.
In the future the path could stretch from Schoenbrunn to Newcomerstown where it could connect with the bike path there. Its not a quick process, it will take years to spread it out, said Krocker.
Anyone may join this group and assist in the planning and development of the trail and park area. No matter big or small whatever anyone can do will help. said Krocker. Where this plan goes depends on the members.
A page has been added to the village of Tuscarawas website for information on the trail, go to www.tuscvg.org. For questions, contact Joe Krocker at 740-922-1653 or by email at joekrocker@yahoo.com.
Donations may be sent to: Warwick Lions – Trail and Parks Fund, PO Box 695, Tuscarawas, Ohio 44682.
