Huron River Greenway Trail Updates & Comments

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Dispute Settlement Details

10/4/11 by Steven Myers

An agreement was reached between property owners along the former Huron River Greenway and Erie MetroParks on Monday, September 26th and approved by the Board of Park Commissioners Wednesday September 28. The Huron River Greenway, as it was on Monday, September 26th, has been permanantly closed by court order between Riverview Drive (Franklin Flats) and Riley Road in the Village of Milan. Erie MetroParks is relinquishing all claims to properties between these points and ending all appropriation proceedings in this area. In exchange, all active litigation by the property owners will be dropped.

Portions of the former Greenway will remain open and will form two new trail parks, The portion from DuPont Marsh State Nature Preserve, over the Kara Deering Bridge and Overlook to Riverview Drive/Franklin Flats has been open since 1999 and will remain open. A 2.5 mile long portion between Old Main Street in the Village of Milan and the new Oxbow and Edison Birthplace spur trails will form the second new trail park. One of the property owners has extended an easement to Erie MetroParks to connect the trail to the Riley Road crossing at the north end of the Milan Village limits, forming an outlet for the trail.

The name "Huron River Greenway" will eventually be dropped, the two new trail parks will be given new names to be determined. Also to be determined will be the disposition of improvements (benches/historical markers) made by the park district on the now-private lands. We hope that the property owners will allow their removal and/or relocation to the roadsides or other park areas.

While it is sad that the Huron River Greenway we have become familiar with will be going away; we can take comfort that at least a small part of the historic Milan Canal will remain preserved and that the north end trail, open since 1999, will remain open for recreation and the enjoyment of nature. There can now be peace and healing in the (Huron River) valley.

Lands between Riverview Drive on the north and Riley Road on the south should be considered private property and off-limits to trail users. Please stay out of these areas.

Greenway Dispute May Be Over

9/28/11 by Ohio Bikeways

From the MorningJournal.com, "...The legal fight over the Huron River Greenway is coming to an end.

"For years officials from Erie MetroParks and property owners have fought in court over the trail that runs about seven miles between Milan and Huron, roughly parallel to the Huron River.

"But a 12-hour negotiation conference produced a settlement on Monday at Erie County Common Pleas Court. Erie MetroParks' commissioners will meet at 3 p.m. today to consider the agreement.

"We're declaring a peace," said park board President Kurt Landefeld. Erie MetroParks will pay $1.935 million to the property owners and will close parts of the Greenway. Some sections will be open from Huron and from Milan, according to the settlement agreement.

"The park district also will provide title documents relinquishing any claims Erie MetroParks made on the abandoned railroad bed that was to become the trail."

Trail Now Fully Open

6/1/10 by Steven Myers

The Huron River Greenway, from DuPont Marsh, across Mason Road and from the foot of Main Street in Milan (as it was until its temporary closure in November of 2007) is now open. Only the barricaded portion between Mason road and the Ohio Turnpike bridge is still closed.

It is still in good shape, if not a little overgrown, after two-plus years of closure.

Trail Reopening Soon

4/19/10 by Steven Myers

Huron River Greenway has re-opened, approximately 2 mile stretch to Mason Road. More to come this summer as the remainder of the trail is cleared and repaired where required after 2 1/2 years of closure. See article [from] Sandusky Register: [here].

Portion Of Trail Reopens

7/10/08 by Ohio Bikeways

A 1-mile portion of the Huron River Greenway have been reopened. The Erie MetroParks are working on opening the remaining 4 miles that were closed due to an earlier Ohio Supreme Court ruling. It stated that some property owners along the corridor were entitled to compensation for their land that was used for the trail.

Look for more segments to open in the near future as the compensation issue is settled with the affected landowners.

Erie MetroParks Working To Reopen Trail

4/10/08 by Ohio Bikeways

Erie MetroParks is working to repair emabattled relationships with some greenway property owners. This involves compensating those deemed to have held property rights to portions of the greenway where the trail now resides.

Court Ruling Causes Trail Closure

11/28/07 by Steven Myers

A decision by the Supreme Court of Ohio has gone against Erie MetroParks and in favor of property owners along the trail. The Board of Park Commissioners have closed the entire Huron River Greenway trail for the time being; until the recent Supreme Court of Ohio ruling can be discussed with their attorneys and the entire Board of Park Commissioners as the prudent course of action until it can be sorted out.

If you are able to observe anyone damaging park property (it is park property despite the decision) or attempting to block the trail beyond what is possible with the park-controlled gates; please inform the Erie MetroParks rangers at 419-621-4220 (M-F 8AM-5PM) and 419-625-7951 at all other times; or the Erie County Sheriff at 419-625-7951. It is important that we prevent the property owners, who are now emboldened by this decision, to damage or disrupt the trail while it is closed.

It saddens me to no end that events have taken this turn. Please consider writing a letter to the editor of the Sandusky Register, or expressing an instant opinion on a Greenway story [on their web site]. I and everyone who has enjoyed the Greenway will appreciate it.

Beware Of The Tow Truck Hook!

9/18/07 by Steven Myers

When parking on the south end of the Greenway, off old Main Street (at the bottom of the hill) in the Village of Milan; DO NOT park on the right of the trail, in front of the old warehouse building. You will be ticketed and/or towed! Park on the LEFT side, near the woods, or up in the town square, and ride down.

New Trail Section!

11/6/04 by Steven Myers

An additional 2 miles of the Huron River Greenway opened on 12 September. A continuous trail now reaches nearly 3 miles. The newly opened section is smooth crushed limestone. This is the most scenic section of the Greenway to be opened to date and runs right along the riverbank in several places. Three former railroad mileposts have been freshly painted and provide two measured miles for runners. The "9" mile marker is the halfway point between the trailheads.

The Kara Deering Bridge and Overlook have been repaired from last year's vandalism and have completely re-opened. Many new benches and other amenities have been installed along the Greenway; both on the sections opened in 1999 and at the newly opened Mason Road North Trailhead area.

Construction Underway

11/16/03 by Steven Myers

There have been many updates on the Huron River Greenway... The Huron River Greenway is now much bigger, though not yet complete.

In September 2003; the Kara Deering Overlook was severely vandalized and it is closed at this time; though it does not affect the trail by it. Three juveniles have been arrested for this vandalism; and repairs to the overlook will begin soon.

There are now three open sections: Little has changed on the Northern section.

A new Southern section, extending north from the Village of Milan for approximately two miles, was opened in June of 2003. Much of this portion of the trail is little more than cleared right of way on which construction is ongoing. After another incident of vandalism in April 2003 where a bulldozer intentionally damaged portions of this trail; it was decided to open this portion of the trail in this condition. Surface conditions are fair at best. Erie MetroParks suggests that only hikers use this portion of the trail; but a mountain bike would have no problem on it. Construction and further clearing will continue on this trail as weather allows.

In October of 2003; about 1/4 mile of this portion of the southern section trail received a smooth crushed limestone surface, reaching to the first bridge.

A new Central section, extending for roughly one mile in portions both north and south of Mason Road in Milan Township was opened in October of 2003. It is in excellent condition, although relatively short, and suitable to all users.

The portion south of Mason Road; is similar to much of the Southern section, little more than cleared right of way with ongoing construction. Again, on the southern portion of the Central section; conditions are fair at best and the one bridge has railings only on one side. Hikers and mountain bikes only are recommended. Both portions of the new Central section are immediately adjacent to the bank of its namesake river, and are probably the most scenic portions of the Greenway.

A state historical marker was dedicated on the Central section north of Mason Road on October 31st commemorating the steamship IDAHO, which had returned to the former Milan Canal and was abandoned along what is now the trail.

Trail Review

By Steven Myers

The Huron River Greenway Trail was opened in May of 1999. It starts at the DuPont Marsh State Nature Preserve which, along with the Greenway, is managed by Erie MetroParks. The parking lot, next to a large county water tower, is shared by both facilities. The DuPont Marsh Nature Preserve offers trails down to marshes along the Huron River (Please note: Bikes and pets are NOT allowed inside the Preserve).

The trail has a well-done crushed limestone surface, approximately 10-12 feet wide. Conditions are still good to excellent on most of the trail.

Photo by Steven Myers

The trail has a negligible descending grade from north to south. It has two wooden decked bridges with a sheltered observation deck near the second bridge. The "Kara A. Deering" observation deck overlooks another marsh, at Poncas Creek, which offers a diverse selection of birds and plants for in-season viewing. In the summertime, insect repellent is a must here!

When the trail was new, it had a rather stark and sterile feel to it, because the foliage in places was low and cut back from the initial construction. Now, the foliage is growing back and it has a much softer look and feel. The remaining trail through forest and marshes has also softened and grown in. If you have not been there for a while, it is worth another look now.

Trail Specs:

Class: B3- & C3-

Length: About 5 miles, 10-14' wide - two separate sections

Condition: Finished sections: Very Good

Facilities: Portable toilet at Mason Road. Observation deck at the Kara Deering Bridge.

Food: Steven Myers notes: "Sit-down restaurants are in Huron; fast food outlets are at the Rye Beach Rd interchange of US 6/Ohio 2 (4 miles west)."

Parking: Just south of Huron along River Road, look for the Erie County water tower. There's a trailhead there that's shared with the Dupont Marsh Nature Preserve. Mason Road parking lots on either side of the road where the trail crosses. In Milan where Main Street dead ends to the north, parking on right along the fence line. Steven Myers adds: "DO NOT park on the right of the trail, in front of the old warehouse building. You will be ticketed and/or towed! Park on the LEFT side, near the woods, or up in the town square, and ride down."

Milan Riverview-Dr DuPont-Marsh Huron

(8.3mi) 3mi 2mi (0mi)

Trail Basics Trail Safety Bikeway Facilities Trip Planning Rules & Tips Trail Overseers Trail Surfaces & Uses Terms & Definitions Review Notes Trail Classes Articles Submit Updates	Resize A A A Dispute Settlement Details 10/4/11 by Steven Myers An agreement was reached between property owners along the former Huron River Greenway and Erie MetroParks on Monday, September 26th and approved by the Board of Park Commissioners Wednesday September 28. The Huron River Greenway, as it was on Monday, September 26th, has been permanantly closed by court order between Riverview Drive (Franklin Flats) and Riley Road in the Village of Milan. Erie MetroParks is relinquishing all claims to properties between these points and ending all appropriation proceedings in this area. In exchange, all active litigation by the property owners will be dropped. Portions of the former Greenway will remain open and will form two new trail parks, The portion from DuPont Marsh State Nature Preserve, over the Kara Deering Bridge and Overlook to Riverview Drive/Franklin Flats has been open since 1999 and will remain open. A 2.5 mile long portion between Old Main Street in the Village of Milan and the new Oxbow and Edison Birthplace spur trails will form the second new trail park. One of the property owners has extended an easement to Erie MetroParks to connect the trail to the Riley Road crossing at the north end of the Milan Village limits, forming an outlet for the trail. The name "Huron River Greenway" will eventually be dropped, the two new trail parks will be given new names to be determined. Also to be determined will be the disposition of improvements (benches/historical markers) made by the park district on the now-private lands. We hope that the property owners will allow their removal and/or relocation to the roadsides or other park areas. While it is sad that the Huron River Greenway we have become familiar with will be going away; we can take comfort that at least a small part of the historic Milan Canal will remain preserved and that the north end trail, open since 1999, will remain open for recreation and the enjoyment of nature. There can now be peace and healing in the (Huron River) valley. Lands between Riverview Drive on the north and Riley Road on the south should be considered private property and off-limits to trail users. Please stay out of these areas. Greenway Dispute May Be Over 9/28/11 by Ohio Bikeways From the MorningJournal.com, "...The legal fight over the Huron River Greenway is coming to an end. "For years officials from Erie MetroParks and property owners have fought in court over the trail that runs about seven miles between Milan and Huron, roughly parallel to the Huron River. "But a 12-hour negotiation conference produced a settlement on Monday at Erie County Common Pleas Court. Erie MetroParks' commissioners will meet at 3 p.m. today to consider the agreement. "We're declaring a peace," said park board President Kurt Landefeld. Erie MetroParks will pay $1.935 million to the property owners and will close parts of the Greenway. Some sections will be open from Huron and from Milan, according to the settlement agreement. "The park district also will provide title documents relinquishing any claims Erie MetroParks made on the abandoned railroad bed that was to become the trail." Trail Now Fully Open 6/1/10 by Steven Myers The Huron River Greenway, from DuPont Marsh, across Mason Road and from the foot of Main Street in Milan (as it was until its temporary closure in November of 2007) is now open. Only the barricaded portion between Mason road and the Ohio Turnpike bridge is still closed. It is still in good shape, if not a little overgrown, after two-plus years of closure. Trail Reopening Soon 4/19/10 by Steven Myers Huron River Greenway has re-opened, approximately 2 mile stretch to Mason Road. More to come this summer as the remainder of the trail is cleared and repaired where required after 2 1/2 years of closure. See article [from] Sandusky Register: [here]. Portion Of Trail Reopens 7/10/08 by Ohio Bikeways A 1-mile portion of the Huron River Greenway have been reopened. The Erie MetroParks are working on opening the remaining 4 miles that were closed due to an earlier Ohio Supreme Court ruling. It stated that some property owners along the corridor were entitled to compensation for their land that was used for the trail. Look for more segments to open in the near future as the compensation issue is settled with the affected landowners. Erie MetroParks Working To Reopen Trail 4/10/08 by Ohio Bikeways Erie MetroParks is working to repair emabattled relationships with some greenway property owners. This involves compensating those deemed to have held property rights to portions of the greenway where the trail now resides. Court Ruling Causes Trail Closure 11/28/07 by Steven Myers A decision by the Supreme Court of Ohio has gone against Erie MetroParks and in favor of property owners along the trail. The Board of Park Commissioners have closed the entire Huron River Greenway trail for the time being; until the recent Supreme Court of Ohio ruling can be discussed with their attorneys and the entire Board of Park Commissioners as the prudent course of action until it can be sorted out. If you are able to observe anyone damaging park property (it is park property despite the decision) or attempting to block the trail beyond what is possible with the park-controlled gates; please inform the Erie MetroParks rangers at 419-621-4220 (M-F 8AM-5PM) and 419-625-7951 at all other times; or the Erie County Sheriff at 419-625-7951. It is important that we prevent the property owners, who are now emboldened by this decision, to damage or disrupt the trail while it is closed. It saddens me to no end that events have taken this turn. Please consider writing a letter to the editor of the Sandusky Register, or expressing an instant opinion on a Greenway story [on their web site]. I and everyone who has enjoyed the Greenway will appreciate it. Beware Of The Tow Truck Hook! 9/18/07 by Steven Myers When parking on the south end of the Greenway, off old Main Street (at the bottom of the hill) in the Village of Milan; DO NOT park on the right of the trail, in front of the old warehouse building. You will be ticketed and/or towed! Park on the LEFT side, near the woods, or up in the town square, and ride down. New Trail Section! 11/6/04 by Steven Myers An additional 2 miles of the Huron River Greenway opened on 12 September. A continuous trail now reaches nearly 3 miles. The newly opened section is smooth crushed limestone. This is the most scenic section of the Greenway to be opened to date and runs right along the riverbank in several places. Three former railroad mileposts have been freshly painted and provide two measured miles for runners. The "9" mile marker is the halfway point between the trailheads. The Kara Deering Bridge and Overlook have been repaired from last year's vandalism and have completely re-opened. Many new benches and other amenities have been installed along the Greenway; both on the sections opened in 1999 and at the newly opened Mason Road North Trailhead area. Construction Underway 11/16/03 by Steven Myers There have been many updates on the Huron River Greenway... The Huron River Greenway is now much bigger, though not yet complete. In September 2003; the Kara Deering Overlook was severely vandalized and it is closed at this time; though it does not affect the trail by it. Three juveniles have been arrested for this vandalism; and repairs to the overlook will begin soon. There are now three open sections: Little has changed on the Northern section. A new Southern section, extending north from the Village of Milan for approximately two miles, was opened in June of 2003. Much of this portion of the trail is little more than cleared right of way on which construction is ongoing. After another incident of vandalism in April 2003 where a bulldozer intentionally damaged portions of this trail; it was decided to open this portion of the trail in this condition. Surface conditions are fair at best. Erie MetroParks suggests that only hikers use this portion of the trail; but a mountain bike would have no problem on it. Construction and further clearing will continue on this trail as weather allows. In October of 2003; about 1/4 mile of this portion of the southern section trail received a smooth crushed limestone surface, reaching to the first bridge. A new Central section, extending for roughly one mile in portions both north and south of Mason Road in Milan Township was opened in October of 2003. It is in excellent condition, although relatively short, and suitable to all users. The portion south of Mason Road; is similar to much of the Southern section, little more than cleared right of way with ongoing construction. Again, on the southern portion of the Central section; conditions are fair at best and the one bridge has railings only on one side. Hikers and mountain bikes only are recommended. Both portions of the new Central section are immediately adjacent to the bank of its namesake river, and are probably the most scenic portions of the Greenway. A state historical marker was dedicated on the Central section north of Mason Road on October 31st commemorating the steamship IDAHO, which had returned to the former Milan Canal and was abandoned along what is now the trail. Trail Review By Steven Myers The Huron River Greenway Trail was opened in May of 1999. It starts at the DuPont Marsh State Nature Preserve which, along with the Greenway, is managed by Erie MetroParks. The parking lot, next to a large county water tower, is shared by both facilities. The DuPont Marsh Nature Preserve offers trails down to marshes along the Huron River (Please note: Bikes and pets are NOT allowed inside the Preserve). The trail has a well-done crushed limestone surface, approximately 10-12 feet wide. Conditions are still good to excellent on most of the trail. Photo by Steven Myers The trail has a negligible descending grade from north to south. It has two wooden decked bridges with a sheltered observation deck near the second bridge. The "Kara A. Deering" observation deck overlooks another marsh, at Poncas Creek, which offers a diverse selection of birds and plants for in-season viewing. In the summertime, insect repellent is a must here! When the trail was new, it had a rather stark and sterile feel to it, because the foliage in places was low and cut back from the initial construction. Now, the foliage is growing back and it has a much softer look and feel. The remaining trail through forest and marshes has also softened and grown in. If you have not been there for a while, it is worth another look now. Trail Specs: Class: B3- & C3- Length: About 5 miles, 10-14' wide - two separate sections Condition: Finished sections: Very Good Facilities: Portable toilet at Mason Road. Observation deck at the Kara Deering Bridge. Food: Steven Myers notes: "Sit-down restaurants are in Huron; fast food outlets are at the Rye Beach Rd interchange of US 6/Ohio 2 (4 miles west)." Parking: Just south of Huron along River Road, look for the Erie County water tower. There's a trailhead there that's shared with the Dupont Marsh Nature Preserve. Mason Road parking lots on either side of the road where the trail crosses. In Milan where Main Street dead ends to the north, parking on right along the fence line. Steven Myers adds: "DO NOT park on the right of the trail, in front of the old warehouse building. You will be ticketed and/or towed! Park on the LEFT side, near the woods, or up in the town square, and ride down." Milan Riverview-Dr DuPont-Marsh Huron (8.3mi) 3mi 2mi (0mi)	Updates & Comments Featured Review Trail Specs Maps & More Weather Forecast \| Weather Maps