County-Wide Review of the 
Parks, Trails and Greenways Plan

Reviewed February 28th

   As Portage County continues to grow and develop, it is important to balance growth with strategic conservation and the development of recreational amenities for our communities.  Without a plan, our landscapes will become fragmented and opportunities for conservation and trails will be lost forever. With a plan, we can be proactive and strategic in our efforts, develop partnerships for implementation and more effectively communicate with the public about the values of a countywide parks, trails and greenways system. 

   Through a year-long planning process which included expert consultation and public participation, this Plan will prioritize locally and regionally significant opportunities for parks, trails and greenway conservation corridors in a countywide system to meet the environmental, recreational and economic development needs of our communities.  The Plan will update the 1992 Bikeways Plan, and build upon the recently completed Portage County Watersheds Plan. Partners include the Portage County Regional Planning Commission and Dilligaf Planning + Design Inc., working with the Portage Park District, Portage County residents, and representative stakeholders including local governments, business, resource agencies and user groups to develop the plan.   

   Please review the maps, listed below:

Completed Tasks include:

• Review and include existing data, resource inventories and plans
• Inform the public through press releases, presentations and web site. 
• Hold public planning meetings in 7 different areas across the County. 
• Develop conceptual plans for trail linkages, park facilities and conservation
• Create a map and educational poster identifying existing and proposed parks, trails and greenways. 

Benefits

The Plan will:

• Will integrate a variety of local plans to create a unified vision
• Enhance the ability to get grant dollars and help prioritize public spending
• Identify appropriate areas for open space set-asides in developments and directing developers’ fees
• Identify opportunities for protecting wildlife habitat and scenic landscapes
• Identify important green infrastructure areas for managing stormwater, protecting our drinking water supplies and providing alternative transportation opportunities
• Help improve quality of life and stimulate economic development through attracting business and promoting cost-effective, sustainable use of our resources

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email - phone 330.297.7728 - 128 N. Prospect St. Ravenna, Ohio 44266