Hamilton, OH- MetroParks of Butler County was awarded $2.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding by the Butler County Commissioners on December 5. ARPA funding will be combined with a $1.1 million OKI Regional Council of Governments grant and a $200,000 state capital grant to facilitate further construction of the Great Miami River Trail (GMRT). Three gaps in the paved trail remain in Butler County, and when complete, the trail will run contiguously from Fairfield to Piqua.

Funding will help MetroParks construct the 1.6-mile Middletown-Monroe gap (also called the Lemon Township gap) and complete a portion of the 3.1-mile Lemon-Liberty-Fairfield Township trail section. The City of Monroe is managing the design and construction of the 2.4-mile Monroe gap, with construction expected to begin soon.

“COVID-19 revealed how much parks and trails mean to Butler County residents.” said Jackie O’Connell, MetroParks’ Executive Director. “Momentum to finish the GMRT gaps had been building with MetroParks and our community partners over the last several years, but the pandemic dramatically increased the push to complete the trail. With over 1.3 million visits made to MetroParks’ trails, facilities and greenspaces in 2021, now is the time to make sure the infrastructure is in place so that people can continue to get outside and explore Butler County and the greater Miami Valley.” said O’Connell.

Earlier this year, MetroParks opened the 0.7-mile Timberhill extension at Rentschler Forest MetroPark. Trail users can access 11 miles of trail between Rentschler Forest in Fairfield Township and Waterworks Park in Fairfield and close to 70 miles of trail stretching from Middletown to Piqua.

Southwest Ohio has become known as national destination for its trail network, which now stands at over 340 miles of connected trails. The greater Miami Valley’s trail network has a $13 million annual impact to the region, and a recent study by the Butler County Visitor’s Bureau identified parks and trails as two of the top attractions that would make Butler County more inviting to visitors.

“Butler County’s trails and outdoor recreation experiences are an important piece of what makes Butler County an appealing travel destination.” said Mark Hecquet, President & CEO of Travel Butler County. “The enhancement of the Great Miami River Trail will open up even more opportunities to welcome visitors into the region and connect to nationally known trails in Cincinnati, Dayton and beyond. This project will also provide opportunities for meaningful development as we look to the river as a catalyst for exciting new businesses and amenities along the trail.” 

“Every dollar invested into projects like the GMRT supports local businesses, job creation and improves people’s quality of life.” said O’Connell. “MetroParks strives to make a positive impact on the lives of Butler County residents by contributing to the health and development of our region. Thanks to the Butler County Commissioners, OKI and our state legislators for funding these important projects.”