MORE: How Oxford’s new recreational trail could impact businesses
The first part of the project will link the Black Covered Bridge to the DeWitt Log House on Miami University property near Ohio 73.
Bids were opened Jan. 20 for the phase one work, which must be completed by June 30. The estimate for the project was $651,330.25, but the low bid came in under that amount.
Planner Sam Perry said they will have it on the City Council agenda Tuesday to accept a bid of $535,596 for that phase one work.
Phase one will see construction of a paved path from Kelly Drive to Corso Road, where the trail will cross the covered bridge and continue under Morning Sun Road (Ohio 732) and east to Howell Park.
The trail will use a crushed coal ash path from Howell to the DeWitt Log Home, completing phase one. That portion will not be ADA compliant.
McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital TriHealth is funding construction of a sidewalk from Sycamore Street to Kelly Drive for safer access to the start of the recreational trail.
The project’s second phase will take the trail from the parking lot near the DeWitt Cabin to the parking lot at Peffer Park.
The third phase will be to get the trail to Peffer Park and the Oxford Community Park which will be the most difficult and expensive portion. That work will require nearly $7 million, which includes an estimated $1 million to take the trail under the railroad tracks near Chestnut Street.
RELATED: Oxford named one of Ohio’s 4 best hometowns
“It sounds like a lot of money but it will be good for the community,” said Jessica Greene, director of the Oxford Visitors Bureau. “In my opinion, it is a good investment. There is a dollar value for trails built in communities.”
Michelle Johnson, of the Environmental Design Group, said communities with such trails have experienced economic impact of $13.54 per user per day, based on the trail taking people to other parts of the community where they might shop or socialize in local businesses.
The project overcame one last hurdle when Oxford City Council voted 7-0 Jan. 17 to approve a resolution authorizing an agreement with Oxford Twp., Butler County and the Oxford Museum Association to clarify responsibility for maintenance in the area of the Black Covered Bridge.
In a staff report regarding the resolution, Perry said the agreement divides up responsibility among the agencies for patrol, maintenance and programming for different sections of the trail after completion.
MORE: Groups working toward more bike paths, trails in Oxford
About the Author