The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) is spearheading an ambitious plan to weave together the region's fragmented county park systems, creating a seamless network of trails that will revolutionize how residents and visitors navigate the area. This visionary initiative aims to reduce the reliance on cars, lower carbon emissions, and unlock the full potential of Northeast Ohio's natural assets.

Unlocking the Power of Trails for a Greener, More Connected Future

Bridging the Gap: Uniting Northeast Ohio's Park Systems

The proposed plan, led by the team at OHM Advisors, seeks to connect the park systems of Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, and Medina counties, transforming the region into a hub of sustainable mobility. Currently, these trails exist in a fragmented state, with municipalities, counties, and park districts building them independently over the past decades. However, the true value of these trails is only now being fully recognized, as they offer unparalleled opportunities for recreation, improved health, and reduced environmental impact.The key objective is to enable more people to navigate Northeast Ohio without relying on cars, a shift that will significantly contribute to the region's efforts to lower carbon emissions. By creating a cohesive network of trails, the plan aims to seamlessly connect communities, parks, and other important destinations, empowering residents and visitors to explore the area through active and eco-friendly modes of transportation.

Prioritizing Community Feedback: Shaping the Trail Network

The public engagement process is a crucial component of this initiative, as the project team seeks to gather feedback and address the concerns of local residents. The second round of public meetings, held on November 13, 2024, allowed attendees to voice their opinions, raise questions, and help identify the most desirable and feasible trail segments.Amherst resident Bev Muzilla, representing her homeowners association, expressed concerns about the proximity of a proposed trail to her neighborhood, citing security and privacy as key issues. However, through open dialogue with Lorain County Metro Parks Director Jim Ziemnik, Muzilla felt heard and gained a better understanding of the project's goals and potential benefits.The public input process is designed to ensure that the final recommendations address the needs and concerns of the communities involved. OHM Advisors will continue accepting feedback online until December 20, 2024, before finalizing the implementation plan.

Unlocking the Potential of Micromobility

The NOACA's focus on trail connectivity is a reflection of a broader shift in transportation planning, where the benefits of micromobility options are being increasingly recognized. Micromobility refers to a range of lightweight, low-speed transportation modes, such as e-bikes, scooters, and walking, that can effectively bridge the "last mile" between transit hubs and final destinations.Cleveland resident Laura McShane highlighted the significance of this trend, noting that "transit and trails offer so many more what are called micromobility options, where you can use your e-bike or, you know, a scooter or just walk, make that last mile connect and in a safe manner."By integrating these micromobility solutions into the trail network, the plan aims to provide residents and visitors with a diverse range of sustainable transportation choices, empowering them to navigate the region without relying solely on private vehicles.

Enhancing Accessibility and Community Benefits

The proposed trail network promises to deliver a multitude of benefits to the communities it serves. According to OHM Principal and Landscape Architect Matt Hil, trails typically increase property values and decrease crime rates, making them a valuable asset to the neighborhoods they traverse.One such example is the proposed trail behind Fairview Hospital, which will provide a safer and more accessible route for pedestrians and cyclists, addressing the current "treacherous" conditions of the existing road. Similarly, Bay Village resident Pat Nortz suggested repurposing a utility easement in Cuyahoga County to create an additional mile-and-a-half of all-purpose trail, further enhancing the connectivity and accessibility of the network.By prioritizing the needs and concerns of local residents, the project team aims to ensure that the final trail network not only serves as a sustainable transportation solution but also enhances the overall quality of life for the communities it touches.