Sylvania path plan endorsed

Olander Park System approves series of multi-use paths along Sylvania-Metamora Rd.

This work being discussed would connect to this portion of the path.

Lucas County’s plan to connect a series of multi-use paths along Sylvania-Metamora Road has been endorsed by the Olander Park System commissioners.

The park system will contribute up to $65,900 to the project under a cooperation agreement with Lucas County that the park commissioners approved today.

The Sylvania-Metamora Path’s 2.25 miles between Kilburn and Centennial roads, mostly in Sylvania Township but partly in the city of Sylvania, are interrupted by six-tenths of a mile of gaps.

Built by developers of several subdivisions in the 1990s and early 2000s to fulfill sidewalk requirements, the path is used by walkers and bikers. But gaps in undeveloped areas between those subdivisions, including one on Sylvania-Metamora's south side near Pacesetter Park, have prompted safety concerns about people walking or biking on the road.

Along with access to Pacesetter, the walkway along Sylvania-Metamora is popular with people heading to nearby Fossil Park, also part of the Olander Park System, and Centennial Terrace.

Project plans call for a crosswalk at Pacesetter's entrance and a new sidewalk in front of that park, said Ron Myers of the Lucas County Engineer’s Office. He will manage the project, and Olander officials said they will also be involved in the construction process.

Erika Buri, Olander's interim director, said the park supports the path's continuity, as future phases will ultimately connect Olander Park System with Secor Metropark.

“It is really important that we have safe paths for people to move through the community and this is a big one, because in the future it will go past Kilburn Road to Secor Metropark. So patrons will be able to travel from Sylvan Prairie Park, Fossil Park, and Secor Metropark without interruption,” she said.

The Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments has awarded a federal Transportation Alternatives Fund grant that covers 80 percent of the project’s $328,000 estimated construction cost, with total expenses figured at $473,000. The county engineer’s office is contributing staff time for engineering and construction inspection costs.

The City of Sylvania is also expected to review the agreement, which assigns about 2 percent of the cost to it. It has not yet signed the contract. 

Contact Natalie Trusso Cafarello at: 419-206-0356, or ntrusso@theblade.com, or on Twitter @natalietrusso.