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Park’s new North Trail already has a following
By Ashley Luthern
BOARDMAN
The asphalt has barely dried on the new North Trail in Boardman Park, and people already are using it.
“People began walking on it even before the asphalt was in, and there was just a gravel base,” said Daniel N. Slagle Jr., executive director of Boardman Park. “We’re seeing a lot of new faces.”
One of those new faces is Aletea Michaels of Poland, who began walking in the park two weeks ago when she noticed the trail.
“I like it. It’s nice, quiet, peaceful,” Michaels said.
The mile-long trail runs along the Main Drive of the park and splits into two sections. One goes to the community center and nature trails. The other travels to the Maag Outdoor Theater and loops around Bicentennial Rock, across form the St. James Meeting House.
This addition brings the total length of trails throughout the park to 4.05 miles.
Construction on the North Trail began the first week of August and ended this week.
The project cost $308,000, with $148,000 provided by a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Recreation Trail Program.
The difference was paid with a $5,000 contribution from Alltel, now Verizon Wireless, and the park district’s capital-improvement budget.
One of the goals of the North Trail was to make a safe place for walkers and joggers.
“It’s a very progressive park. It’s been able to do things other parks haven’t because of forward thinking and planning. That trail tied in everything so people can enjoy the park without fear of getting” hit by a car,” said Jason Loree, township administrator.
As part of the park’s master plan, the Eisenhower Branch of the North Trail — made with recycled asphalt grindings — will eventually continue east to Eisenhower Drive and give park access to a residential neighborhood with about 685 households, Slagle said.
The North Trail will be highlighted during the Boardman Rotary’s Oktoberfest on Oct. 3.
Vendors will line on either side of the trail, and for the first time, parking will be available for the festival on park property, near the Southern Boulevard entrance.