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.
Read more on the News page.
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 in their public site (www.sanduskyregister.com). I and everyone who has enjoyed the Greenway will appreciate it.
[See related news story.]
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.
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.
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.
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