To commemorate the first mile of paved trail constructed in the region 50 years ago, a brief celebration event was held Friday, September 29 along the Great Miami River Recreation Trail in Troy. The event was held on the Great Miami River Recreation Trail at a new bike trail amenity that includes the kiosk and a new seating area overlooking the Great Miami River.
Hosted by the Miami Conservancy District (MCD), partners also included the City of Troy, Miami County Commissioners, and The Troy Foundation. Representatives from Bike Miami Valley, Miami County Park District, and the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission.
In 1973, the City of Troy, MCD, The Troy Foundation, and the Troy Beautification Committee, led by Troy resident Ms. Lucia Bravo, worked together to design, fund, and construct the off-street pedestrian and bicycle trail which started west of the Adams Street Bridge and ended at North Ridge Avenue.This section of trail is now part of the largest connected paved trail network in the United States.
The initial cost to build the first mile of trail was $11,287 dollars and was paid for by contributions from The Troy Foundation and the Troy City Beautification Committee. Trojan Asphalt of Troy was selected to construct the paved trail.
“The Troy Foundation is proud to have been a part of funding the first mile of trail in the region” said Melissa Kleptz, executive director of The Troy Foundation. “Due to the leadership of Mrs. Lucia Bravo and the City of Troy recognizing the importance of ways for people to access and enjoy the river, we are able to celebrate a region wide trail system of over 350 connected miles”.
The new commemorative kiosk also features information on the current Miami Valley Trails system that includes the Great Miami River Recreation Trail and the Little Miami Scenic Trail, Creekside Trail, Simon Kenton Trail, Xenia Jamestown-Connector, Wright Brothers-Huffman Prairie Trail, Stillwater River Trail, Mad River Trail, Iron Horse Trail, and the Dayton-Kettering Connector.
“MCD supports community efforts to create recreation opportunities and improve quality of life along the river by providing access to MCD lands that provide multiple benefits to the region. The trail system was first constructed on top or along the flood protection levee system that also protects our region from devastating floods. This first mile of trail led to the nation’s largest system of connected paved trails, and it’s something that is worth celebrating,” said MaryLynn Lodor, General Manager of the Miami Conservancy District.
