The $14,000 project was a collaborative effort between city of Springfield, National Trail Parks and Recreation District, the Clark County Transportation Coordinating Committee and the Greater Springfield Friends of the Trail and area donors.
The signs are like those on trails in nearby Greene and Montgomery counties, lending a regional uniformity, said Scott Schmid, director of the Transportation Coordinating Committee.
“There were areas where almost everyone didn’t realize the trail continued,” Schmid said. “Hopefully now, they will see the signs and continue to the downtown area and spur some economic activity.”
The goal is to eventually make the trail continguous through the south side of the city; Louis Agresta, TCC transportation planner, said the signage is a short-term improvement to the trails.
Agresta and Schmid said they also hope to get signs throughout trails in the county, too.
The new signage has been well-received, said Parker Buckley, past president of Friends of the Trail, as he praised all involved at a City Commission meeting this week.
“It’s been something we’ve needed for a long time,” he said.
Buckley sees the potential for tourism as well.
“We have a lot to attract riders into Springfield,” he said. “Looking at all the riders at the coffee shops and eateries in Yellow Springs, I can’t help but think we could have the same thing happening here.”
Diane Everhart and Judy Kearns were walking the trail early Wednesday; they noticed the signs last week and like them.
“I love them!” Kearns said. “I don’t have an odometer on my bike so I kind of go by time; ride up for 30 minutes, ride back for 30 minutes. So it’s kind of nice to know how many miles I’ve done. “
Staff writer Kelly Mori contributed to this report
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0374 or boutten@coxohio.com.
About the Author