Wasson Way volunteers answered questions and met with local residents at this year’s Hyde Park Blast on June 29. The Blast — a fundraising event with several run/walk and cycling events — was the perfect opportunity to reach out to residents living around the proposed trail. Many people stopped by the tent, excited to see poster-size images of the trail and sign up for the email list. “When will the trail be built?” was by far the most common question received from residents. We also raised money selling t-shirts and handed out a number of free yard signs (now available at Bob Ronker’s Running Spot, Coffee Emporium on Erie, and Hyde Park Floral and Garden Cafe). The Wasson Way is fortunate to have the support of Laure Quinlivan and John Cranley, both of whom came by to reaffirm their enthusiasm.

Manning the tent gave each of the volunteers an opportunity to meet a variety of neighbors, including those living just down the street. This reaffirmed our belief that one of the most important benefits of the Wasson Way will be an increased connection with our neighbors and a more vibrant community.

Over two weekends in May, more than 60 local residents joined Wasson Way Volunteers to walk the trail. Starting just before the Marburg bridge in Oakley/Hyde Park, the group covered 2.5 miles round trip, making their way under Erie Avenue, across the stunning trestle at Ault park to the overlook at Redbank Road before turning back. Walkers got a chance to enjoy the secluded natural environment that we hope will soon become the magnificent linear park of the Wasson Way trail. The walks were promoted through multiple weekends of volunteers canvassing door-to-door to hand out fliers as well as through Facebook and email. We hold walks each Spring, so we encourage you to join us next year!

Volunteers from the Wasson Way project appeared on “Local 12 Newsmakers” on Sunday May 12 Project Founder Jay Andress and Marketing Chair Anne Oudersluys discussed the trail map, the value of the Wasson Way to the community, and how the trail would be constructed.

Watch the video clip here

On June 12 the Hamilton County Court of Appeals overturned a lower court’s ruling, enabling the City of Cincinnati to move forward with leasing it’s parking meters and garages. Within the $92 million deal, city Manager Milton Dohoney had allocated $3 million to purchase the right-of-way for the Wasson Way trail from the Norfolk Southern Railroad Company. Acquisition of the right-of-way is necessary before any public or private funding can begin construction of the trail.