A new leg of the Marion campus biking/walking trail is taking shape as the campus’s summer paving project progresses. A section of the trail that will eventually connect with the Royal Oaks subdivision on the west and the Forum Shopping Center on the east is now being paved. The campus trail will cut through the woods to Woodside Drive and allow easier access from the campus to the Forum Center with a pedestrian bridge over Grave Creek.
The project also includes development of a round-a-bout at the campus’s northern entrance off State Route 95 as well as a new entrance to Marion Technical College’s Bryson Hall. A new student parking lot is in the works along with campus roads being re-built and re-paved.
Most of the project will be complete by the start of autumn semester classes, August 21st. “This project opens up our campus to the community in new and exciting ways,” said Ohio State Marion Dean and Director, Dr. Gregory S. Rose.
The new pieces of the bicycle/walking trail will connect with the stretch that exists along University Drive. Under design is another 6,250 feet that will complete a two and a half mile loop around the campus. Funds are still being raised for the final section of the trail.
“When complete, this trail will invite cyclists and walkers from the Marion community to come and enjoy the campus in a new way,” said Ohio State Marion Director of Development and Community Relations, Dave Claborn. “We need some help to get this final piece of the trail in the ground,” he added.
The new campus trail will connect to the bike route system through the city of Marion and, eventually, to the 12 and a half mile Tall Grass Trail that takes cyclists to the Marion-Hardin county line, northwest of La Rue.
“This is an important piece of our campus and community’s development,” said Claborn. “It draws the community into the campus, making Marion more of a ‘college town.’ That’s important for the future economic development of Marion and the surrounding region.”
Those interested in learning more about the project or in supporting the project can contact Cathy Gerber in Maynard Hall, Room 240 D, call 740-725-6069, or email gerber.10@osu.edu.