Delaware County, Ohio Trail System Master Plan G et outside! November 27, 2017 Delaware County Commissioners Trail System Master Plan Jeff Benton Barb Lewis The following plan recognizes the unique nature of Delaware County. In Gary Merrell addition to its many features including lakes, state parks, historic areas, golf Introduction courses and a world-class zoo, Delaware County has a large number of local jurisdictions, each with its own plan and vision. This document seeks to honor What does a healthy community look like? Delaware County continues to be ranked as Delaware County Communities one of the healthiest communities in Ohio. By many measures, the county has ranked near each community’s strategic goals and plans while striving for a cohesive and The Village of Ashley the top of the list for several years. One area where the county did not do so well was in consistent system for the enjoyment of all. Berkshire Township the physical, built environment. Berlin Township Although the only factors measured were access to healthy food and air pollution, it still Brown Township begs the question “how would we do when recreation, parks, bikeways and sidewalks are Concord Township taken into consideration?” The City of Delaware Delaware Township We know the obesity statistics, which suggest that a community that lacks adequate Delaware County The City of Dublin Regional Planning recreational facilities is likely to create fewer residents who choose to be active. Children The Village of Galena Commission should get 60 minutes of physical activity every day and adults should get at least 150 Genoa Township minutes each week! Harlem Township Healthy Communities through Active Transportation events sponsored by the combined Kingston Township efforts of the Department of Transportation, the Delaware General Health District, and Liberty Township the Department of Natural Resources indicate interest from a broad cross-section of Marlboro Township recreation, transportation and government entities. This collaboration is an important Orange Township indicator that these disciplines all play a part in improving the health of our communities. The Village of Ostrander It comes as no surprise then that the recent obesity prevention plan created by the Ohio Oxford Township Department of Health states that “various state agencies that do not directly deal with Porter Township health or health care have programs and policies that impact health and have the The City of Powell potential to help prevent or reduce obesity.” Of the plan’s three main goals, the first is to Radnor Township improve physical activity options and opportunities. Scioto Township The Village of Shawnee Hills Economic development is a key driver in our communities today. With the challenges that The Village of Sunbury Prepared by the Delaware County Trail Committee, established by the face all local and state government, it is more important than ever that dollars are spent Thompson Township Delaware County Commissioners on August 8, 2016. wisely and in ways that encourage economic development. That is why the Delaware Trenton Township County Commissioners established the Delaware County Trail Committee in 2016 to study Troy Township Jenna Jackson (Chair), Delaware County Economic Development proposed projects and define opportunities that could be prioritized and accomplished. The City of Westerville Kerstin Carr/Amanda McEldowney, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission Many communities within Delaware County have individual bike/pedestrian facility plans Len Fisher, Delaware County Resident and Trail Enthusiast and/or recreational approaches. The following plan is an effort to highlight the existing Tiffany Jenkins, Delaware County Engineer’s Office recreational opportunities throughout the county and provide a framework guide for local Advocate Groups Scott Sanders, Delaware County Regional Planning Commission governments and the county to use in their future planning. Its focus is primarily on paved Central Ohio Greenways Matt Simpson, Preservation Parks of Delaware County trails, although many other types of trails are offered across the county. Delaware County Friends of the Trail (Ohio to Erie) Susan Sutherland, Delaware General Health District Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission ODOT (Ohio Department of Transportation) OPAL (Olentangy - Powell and Liberty trail group) Healthy Communities Greenways and Trails “The Delaware General Health District’s Board of Health adopted a Complete When Delaware County began to develop, greenways and trails were Street resolution in 2015, which encourages a transportation system that has a considered an occasional recreational amenity for more serious cyclists and design framework and infrastructure that enable safe and convenient access for runners. There has been a shift toward using these trails as connections transportation users of all ages and all abilities. With over 61% of Delaware between points, with increased interest in connecting major trails to County adults 18 years and older being either overweight or obese, increasing neighborhoods. In developed areas where interconnection has been achieved opportunities for active transportation will reduce health impacts and also networks can be used for every day transportation. promote physical activity and recreation.” Shelia Hiddleson, RN, MS, Health Commissioner What is a Trail? Although the term “greenway” does not necessarily imply inclusion of a In April, 2016, the Health District launched a community-wide campaign to recreational trail, for the purposes of this document, greenways refer to open promote healthy weights and prevent chronic disease in Delaware families. space corridors with a recreational trail. Called 5321AlmostNone, the campaign aims to raise family awareness on five Existing trail with signage along Gooding Boulevard, Orange Township key behaviors that promote healthy weights for a lifetime: Numerous studies performed in communities throughout the country demonstrate that trails and bikeways provide the following benefits to the Every Day Choose: public: 5 Fruits & Veggies, 1. Increased regional economic activity through recreation and tourism. Make Them ½ Your Plate 2. Better health through reduced obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and 3 Healthy Meals, Less Fast Food Creating greenways (and any off-road trail in general) includes several steps, cardiovascular disease among trail and bikeway users. with the ultimate goal being a network that makes sense from an overall 2 Hours Screen time, All Devices community perspective as well as one that has buy-in from the community. 3. Increased real estate values, especially of properties located close to 1 Hour Moving, More When You Can trails. Public perception sometimes suggests that trails lower property values. On the contrary, statistics show that properties in vicinity of trails tend to sell Almost None Sugary Drinks, Drink Water First 4. Improved air quality with the use of non-motorized transportation. faster and for higher prices than neighboring lands (www.railstotrails.org). 5. Increased ability to recruit new businesses and individuals with skills. Funding sources for construction include federal money such as the U.S. Getting families to move is of prime importance — choosing active 6. Preservation of wildlife habitat and scenic, historic, recreational, and Department of Transportation’s “Transportation Enhancement” grants, and transportation in daily routines where possible and being active during family cultural assets. the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance recreational time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) program, as well as private funds from foundations and donors. The most recommends that adults either engage in moderate exercise for at least 30 7. Crime protection—Trail users are far more likely to deter and prevent popular and inexpensive way for local governments to gain trails is that they minutes, five days per week, or in vigorous exercise for at least 20 minutes, crime than commit it. be part of development plans as land is rezoned. Smart developers realize three days per week. Children should get some combination of moderate and that a greenway is a fairly low-cost investment that can provide a valuable vigorous exercise for at least one hour per day. In summary, the development of a high-quality trails system is a cost- effective way to make a community more livable, healthy, and economically amenity and raise the value of their project. Walkable communities with mixed land uses, higher density, connected street vibrant and a way to attract the employers and individuals most likely to networks, rich physical activity resources, and pedestrian-friendly designs contribute to positive growth. have been linked to increased physical activity in daily routines. DELAWARE COUNTY, OHIO 1 TRAIL SYSTEM MASTER PLAN Routine maintenance can include security, grass-cutting, brush-trimming, Similarly, a Shared Roadway uses a combination of traffic calming, signage, Organize clearing of culverts and drains, and minor repairs. Long-term maintenance and “sharrows” or on-road markings, to indicate the presence of cyclists. Cultivate a sustainable, citizen-led advocacy group with includes inspections of structures and resurfacing (approximately every ten These are more appropriate for urban areas, or areas where the speed limit is strong leadership and a clear vision years, depending on surface type). considerably slower than that on rural roads.