Trails Are Transforming Xenia
Across America, trail networks are emerging and communities are seeking to maximize the benefits that trail connectivity can bring. Impactful and truly transformative local, state and federal policies, including robust funding for trails, walking and biking, will benefit all Ohioans.
Xenia, Ohio is an excellent example of the economic revitalization and improved quality of life generated by active transportation and recreational trails. On Saturday, September 8 from 5-7pm at Devil Wind Brewing (130 South Detroit Street, Xenia, OH), we celebrate the “cycle track” (a.k.a. protected bike lane) that has recently been completed in downtown Xenia as well as the world famous 5-trail “hub” that connects rural, suburban and urban communities across the Miami Valley region. At 6pm, there will be a brief ceremony highlighting how trails significantly enhance Xenia and communities all across Ohio. Live music by “Precision” begins at 7:30pm!
This Trails Transform America gathering will bring together elected officials and business owners as well as trail users and advocates from around the region. Bike Yellow Springs, a chapter of Bike Miami Valley, is organizing a bike ride that will leave the Yellow Springs Brewery at 4pm, giving folks a great opportunity to enjoy the Little Miami Scenic Trail and experience the new Xenia Cycle Track, which brings you right to Devil Wind Brewing’s front door where we will welcome the 50 Ohio to Erie Trail riders participating in the annual Moffitt Memorial Ride. Enjoy amazing craft beer and local grub from Salty Dog food truck while learning more from organizations such as the City of Xenia, Greene County Parks & Trails, Friends of Xenia Station, Xenia Chamber of Commerce, Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce, Bike Miami Valley and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy about how trails create healthy, thriving communities.
The City of Xenia has been making great strides to improve the well-being of its citizens, providing non-motorized options to access local shops, restaurants, workplaces and recreational amenities. Importantly, new downtown businesses are opening, and Devil Wind owners David Hatfield and Perry Wyatt highlight that “trails mean business.” The regional connectivity that Xenia has achieved is driving the revitalization of this small legacy city, formerly best known for a devastating F-5 tornado – one of the worst storm systems of the 20th century. With its designation as a “trail town”, Xenia is re-creating itself as an authentic historic downtown hub for multiple high-quality separated trails located on the nation’s largest paved trail network and the Ohio to Erie Trail that connects the Ohio River in Cincinnati to Lake Erie in Cleveland.
As Ohio takes the lead among Midwest states to develop its statewide trails network, a critical component to retaining talented workers, attracting families & individuals, and creating new jobs, it is important that community members express their support for these initiatives. Ask your local, state and federal elected officials to become actively involved in building and maintaining recreational and active transportation trail systems as Ohio celebrates 2018 as the “Year of the Trails”. You can learn more about how Trails Transform America at www.railstotrails.org/policy/trailstransform, and ask your state elected officials to join the Ohio Legislative Trails Caucus, a bipartisan group of legislators working to connect Ohioans by building trail networks across the Buckeye State, via www.railstotrails.org/ohcaucus.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is the nation’s largest trails organization—with a grassroots community more than 1 million strong—dedicated to connecting people & communities by creating a nationwide network of public trails, many from former rail lines. Trails are the heart of healthy, thriving communities! Connect with us via railstotrails.org or @railstotrails on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
