“The open house is a chance for people along the path to have questions answered,” said Butler County planning director David Fehr. “We’re hoping that this will get people excited to get the rest of the trail completed.”
The project — whose construction will be overseen by the Butler County Engineer’s Office — will continue the trail that currently ends in Hamilton near Third Street and U.S. 127.
Fehr said the plan is to have the trail go under U.S. 127 and follow the former hydraulic canal; then it will follow along Canal Road into Rentschler Forest and Preserve in Fairfield Twp.
The project is expected to begin in late spring and finish by November, Fehr said.
When Butler County’s portion is complete, it will run from Fairfield to Middletown’s Warren County border.
There are two complete portions of this path: one from Fairfield to Hamilton and one from Trenton to near Hook Field Municipal Airport in Middletown.
The latest phase of the project will cost $2.2 million, but a little more than 75 percent will be funded by the Hamilton Community Foundation.
Hamilton Community Foundation President and CEO John Guidugli said the $1.68 million donation was promised a few years ago.
“At the time we did it, and still, we think it’s a great addition to the quality of life in the community,” Guidugli said. “It gives people another opportunity to use the recreation trail.”
The remainder of the project funding is from the Miami Conservancy District and Clean Ohio Trails Fund Grant.
Besides allowing the trail to enter into Rentschler Forest, MetroParks of Butler County also will renovate the old stone house that was built in the mid-1800s. The building will house public restrooms and a bike rack.
“MetroParks is excited to have another recreational opportunity for guests to enjoy at Rentschler Forest Preserve for walking, jogging and biking,” said parks district spokeswoman Susan Stretch. “A paved path also allows any guests not able to utilize traditional trails the opportunity to participate and enjoy outdoor activities as well. Providing more reasons for guests to visit and enjoy park areas is always a great thing.”
The portion from Fairfield Twp. to Trenton is not yet planned due to funding, Fehr said.
“The answer’s always money,” Fehr said. “It’s not like we’re budgeting to do this. If money’s available or if we can get a grant, we’ll say, ‘Let’s put a section in.’ ”
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2175 or mpitman@coxohio.com. Follow at
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