Warren County Park District Secures $500,000 Grant for Shaker Village Trail Project

LEBANON, Ohio - Feb. 18, 2025 - PRLog -- Warren County Park District is excited to announce that it has partnered with Otterbein SeniorLife Lebanon and Union Village to secure a $500,000 Clean Ohio Trails Fund grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to fund the Shaker Village Trail. This paved multi-use trail will run 0.8 miles along State Route 741 in Lebanon, Ohio, and will provide a vital connection for pedestrians, cyclists, and golf cart users between key community destinations, including the 311-acre Armco Park, Otterbein SeniorLife Lebanon, and the planned community of Union Village.

The future Shaker Village Trail is named in honor of the Shakers who settled the area in 1805. This accessible paved trail will enhance pedestrian and bicycle access in an area that currently features high-speed rural roadways and will vastly improve safety and connectivity for the surrounding communities. The Shaker Village Trail is part of the Lebanon-Turtlecreek Trails Initiative (LTTI), and future trail extensions are planned to extend to Historic Downtown Lebanon, the Little Miami Scenic Trail, and the Miami Valley Trail Network.

Matt Latham, CEO of the Warren County Park District, expressed his enthusiasm: "This grant will be a transformative step toward creating safer, more accessible pedestrian and bicycle connections. The Shaker Village Trail will not only connect three vital destinations but also enhance the outdoor experience for walkers, bikers, and residents, promoting healthier lifestyles and a stronger sense of community."

Jill Wilson, President/CEO of Otterbein SeniorLife, highlighted the benefits for the Otterbein Lebanon community: "Otterbein sees the Shaker Village Trail as a win-win for the entire community. It will boost park visitation for the Park District, improve connectivity for Union Village residents, and promote healthy, active living for seniors at Otterbein."

"We are excited to be a part of this important project," said Matt Obringer, project manager at Union Village Ohio. "The trail will provide Union Village residents with easy and safe access to Armco Park and its many outstanding amenities."

The total project cost of the Shaker Village Trail is estimated at $770,000. The $500,000 ODNR grant will cover most of the project, with the remaining $270,000 to be split equally between Union Village, Otterbein, and the Warren County Park District. Construction is scheduled to begin in Summer 2026.

About Warren County Park District - Warren County Park District is a county-wide park and green space provider, managing 1,716 acres in 12 parks across the County including its flagship parks, Armco and Landen-Deerfield. Our mission is to enhance our community's well-being by preserving quality natural spaces where all are invited to discover and experience the great outdoors. For information, see www.WarrenCountyParks.com, email parks@warrencountyparks.com, or call (513) 695-3980.