BY SHERI TRUSTY

The Park District of Ottawa County invites the public to learn about the Catawba Islander Trail and Greenway Master Plan, ask questions about its development, and share input during an Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 26 from 6-8 p.m. at the Catawba Township Community Hall, 3307 NW Catawba Rd., Port Clinton.

The future multi-use, five-mile-long trail will stretch from the north end to the south end of the Catawba Island Peninsula.

“At the public open house we hope to share the vision for the Catawba Islander Trail and Greenway Phase 1 through photo renderings and preliminary draft maps,” said Park District of Ottawa County Executive Director Jannah Wilson. “We also plan to communicate the trail development process as we move through each step, including planning, property right-of-way, grant development and submission, and construction. “We would like to learn more from the attendees regarding needs for trail amenities such as parking, restrooms and trash/recycling receptacles.”

The park district has retained Poggemeyer Design Group, Inc. to develop the Catawba Islander Trail and Greenway Master Plan, and representatives from Poggemeyer will attend the open house with maps and renderings of the project. A short presentation will take place from 6:45-7 p.m.

Engineers, planners, park district staff, members of the Park District of Ottawa County Board of Park Commissioners, and members of the park district’s Catawba Advisory Council will be available for questions and discussion. Information can also be acquired from the park district at 419-707-4051.

In an effort to better gauge public opinion, the park district is asking Catawba Island residents to fill out paper surveys at the open house or online, 10-minute surveys found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Catawba_Islander.

“The survey is a crucial component of the Master Plan,” Wilson said. “The data collected in the survey will be used in each part of the decision-making process and will be utilized for future grant proposals in order to gain project funding. The data will reflect community involvement in the Master Plan and will be a highly beneficial resource.”

Wilson said the park district has already received a wide variety of responses to the survey.

“The answers reflect varied viewpoints on the trail project related to trail location, community need for a trail route between various points of interest in the area, and the need for greenspace preservation,” Wilson said. “The final survey results aim to capture a well-rounded community perspective on the development of a multi-use trail through Catawba Island.”