On June 13 Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency’s (NOACA) Board of Directors approved the reallocation of $550,400 of NOACA CMAQ funding for trailhead improvements at the northern terminus of the Towpath Trail, Canal Basin Park. The funding provides momentum for the vision of Canal Basin Park as a significant cultural amenity that will serve as an interpretive site for the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
“The Towpath Trail represents a substantial asset for Northeast Ohio and to our community and is why NOACA committed nearly $30 million toward the completion of this project“, said Grace Gallucci, Executive Director, Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA). Gallucci added, “The level of funding represents the level of commitment we have in multimodal transportation and connecting communities, particularly a project with as long of a history as the Towpath that address so many issues, some of which were originally caused by the development of the highway system.”
Mera Cardenas, Executive Director of Canalway Partners: “The Towpath is more than a recreational path that draws people to hike, bike, and run. It encourages healthy lifestyles while celebrating the authentic industrial landscape of Cleveland and the region. The Towpath Trail attracts significant investments in housing, business, education, and recreation. And it has inspired the development of a trail work that enhances all of our lives“
The proposed improvements include the removal of two existing parking lots adjacent to and crossing the trail; retention of one parking lot; adding bike racks, benches, and other site furnishings for users. The Cleveland Towpath Trail has been managed through a 4-Party Agreement between the City of Cleveland, the Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works, Cleveland Metroparks and Canalway Partners.