TRAILS PROPOSED — Volunteer David Core shared a proposal for a series of trails in Toronto at Thursday’s meeting of the city’s recreation committee. — Warren Scott
TORONTO — On Thursday, members of the city’s recreation committee heard a proposal for a series of recreational trails running through Toronto Union Cemetery, the Fairview Heights area and possibly, Mount Nebo.
Resident David Core said much of the system would include trails already in place on city property.
Core said during the pandemic, many people developed a greater appreciation for the outdoors, and the city’s proximity to the Ohio River and scenic mountainside would draw many visitors interested in hiking its trails.
With help from fellow volunteer Brenda Cicch, Core presented a slide show detailing an initiative they have dubbed Hike Toronto.
Among supporters is Mayor John Parker, who said he plans early next year to apply for a grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation for the effort.
He said the funds would be used primarily to map, market and maintain the trails.
Core said the trail system could begin with two roads at Toronto Union Cemetery that have been chipped and sealed by the city.
Earlier this year, the Toronto Union Cemetery Association deeded it to the city, citing lack of funds to maintain it.
Parker said he’s seen many people walking or jogging on the cemetery road since the city improved it, and it wouldn’t be difficult to create a link between its upper and lower halves.
Core said another link could be established between the cemetery and the Fairview Heights area, where residents have maintained a system of natural trails on city property.
Parker said he hadn’t been aware of the area but upon seeing it, “I’m astonished by how nice it is.”
Core said the trail could pass Franklin Avenue and the stores and restaurants there to the Wallace Heights area, forming a loop back.
Parker said the city would need to seek easements for the Wallace Heights area.
Supporters of the project also have eyed an extension to the Mount Nebo area, where a housing development is being pursued.
Core also suggested trails could be established from a hillside area known to many as The Knob to the John F. Kennedy Highway or Wildcat Hollow at the city’s north end.
But he said the cemetery road would be the easiest place to start.
Core and others suggested historical aspects of the cemetery and the area’s natural beauty could be highlighted with signs with QR codes with which trail users may access information online.
He said Erica Lyons, an agricultural and natural resources educator with the Ohio State University Extension Service has agreed to assist with several signs describing wildlife along the trails.
Fourth Ward Councilman Greg Herrick, who chairs the recreation committee, suggested there could be special events, with food trucks, near the trails.
Core said dinners with special themes, from fairy tales to clambakes, could be held on the trails.
He also suggested solar panels could be pursued to provide lighting for nocturnal trail use and possibly, campers.
There was discussion of whether the trails should be available to all-terrain vehicles, with some saying they should be limited to pedestrians because ATVs can damage the pathways.
But Core said it may be possible to designate trails for ATVs or horses.
In other business, Herrick advised the mayor has appointed Diane Julio to a vacant seat on the joint recreation board formed with Toronto City Schools.
Separate from the city’s recreation committee, the board is comprised of three members appointed by the mayor and three appointed by the superintendent of schools.
Parker said Julio, a former Toronto councilwoman and director of the JB Green Team, “brings a lot of experience and knowledge to the position.”
In related business, the mayor said he will need to appoint a new recreation director before Nov. 1, following the recent resignation of Rod Henry from the position, effective Oct. 31.
Henry was involved with the opening of a new city recreation center in the former Karaffa School, which was transferred to the city by the school district for $1.
Parker said crews with RSV Inc. are slated to raze the Roosevelt building, which previously served as the city’s recreation center, in the near future.