Latest Trumbull section of Greenway 'fantastic,' 'most unique,' rider says

WARREN

It took eight years for planning and construction of the third phase of the Western Reserve Greenway bike and hike trail to be completed.

It’ll be a few more months before most bike riders and hikers can start to enjoy it.

On Friday, Trumbull County officials and representatives from numerous other groups that helped create the 2.2-mile trail celebrated the ribbon-cutting and dedication. The trail is between Champion Street East in Champion and North River Road in Warren.

The Trumbull County MetroParks Board, which operates it, had planned to have the ceremony at the back of the Trumbull Career and Technical Center, on the edge of the trail, but a snowstorm and cold weather forced the ceremony indoors to the county commissioners office.

One man who tried out the bike trail in recent weeks while workers finished it was Carl Antonelli of Champion, who raved about the beauty of the scenery.

“The elevations, open space, curves. It’s absolutely fantastic,” he said. “That is by far the most unique section of the Great Ohio Lake to River Greenway.”

Part of Friday’s ceremony was a tribute to Paul E. Heltzel, the Trumbull County commissioner who died in June.

Read more about the trail and the tribute in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.