Village of Minerva and Stark Parks dedicate bridge, advance trail connection project

MINERVA - The Village of Minerva and Stark Parks celebrated the dedication of a new bridge at Municipal Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held July 10. The bridge was funded through the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)'s Transportation Alternatives Program with a $670,000 grant. The Village of Minerva and Stark Parks provided the required local matching funds.

As part of the dedication ceremony, the Village of Minerva honored longtime residents Pat and R.C. Miller for their lasting commitment to improving the community. A commemorative plaque recognizing their contributions was unveiled near the bridge.

The bridge represents the first phase of a long-term vision to connect downtown Minerva with the Stark Parks Nickel Plate Trail, creating safer and more accessible opportunities for walking and bicycling.

Building on that momentum, the State of Ohio awarded Stark Parks $2 million through the Ohio Department of Transportation's Highway Safety Improvement Program in late July to expand the Minerva Connector Trail, linking downtown Minerva to the Nickel Plate Trail. The project responds to a strong community desire for additional hiking and biking opportunities while improving safety and connectivity.

"This project with Stark Parks, the Village of Minerva, and ODOT is an exciting investment in the future of our community," said Dan Moeglin, executive director of Stark Parks. "Expanding the Minerva Connector Trail will close an important gap in our regional trail network and bring us one step closer to creating a countywide active transportation system that benefits residents and visitors alike."

"We're excited to see Stark Parks receive funding for the Minerva Connector Trail," said Greg Mytinger, Village of Minerva administrator. "This project has been years in the making, and we're grateful to Governor DeWine, ODOT, and Stark Parks for recognizing the importance of improving safety and expanding recreational opportunities in our community."

The project will now move into the planning and design phase, including environmental reviews and continued safety evaluations. Construction of the trail connection is anticipated to begin in 2032.