The council is scheduled to vote at Thursday’s meeting on whether to authorize the city manager to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Buckeye Trail Association.
“We feel that anything that can identify Xenia and the assets that we have relative to our trail system is a benefit for our recreation system, a benefit for residents, and it certainly poses similar opportunities from a economic development perspective,” said Xenia City Manager Brent Merriman.
Dayton became a designated trial town last year.
The city would have to install signs that include the Buckeye Trail and North Country Trial Town logos. The city is also required to have camping
The designation would help the city market itself as a hub for trail activities and attract people to the area to take advantage of the assets that are part of the community, Merriman said.
“I think it’s a really good boost for Xenia’s economy as more of the businesses become involved,” said Nan Allen, a 54-year-old Xenia resident who has led the effort for the city to get the trail town designation.
The city would not incur additional costs as a result of the designation, according to the city manager.
“Our trial systems are more than just bike trails,” said Steve Brodsky, the Xenia development director. “They are multi-use trails. There are a number of people that will use them for hiking.”
The Buckeye and North Country Trial would incorporate the Little Miami Scenic trail which travels along North Detroit Street.
“… (We’re) Helping businesses understand there are users they can promote to because the people that will use the trail will also use some of those services,” Brodsky said. “It’s a way to help promote the city and promote the trail at the same time.”
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