Austin and Abby Short of Oak Harbor and their family enjoying a stroll on the newly-completed Veterans Park Fitness Trail.

The Village of Oak Harbor will celebrate the official opening of a .6-mile concrete fitness trail in Veteran’s Park with a check presentation and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 25, at 7:30 a.m.

In July, RMH Concrete completed construction of the six-feet-wide, ADA-accessible walking path, which meanders through the mature green space on the outskirts of Oak Harbor’s largest park. Funding for the project was made possible by a public-private partnership between the Village of Oak Harbor, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the Oak Harbor Development Group Founders Program, which consists of community partners who have pledged ongoing annual support.

“The Village of Oak Harbor and the Oak Harbor Development Group have partnered on several projects to improve the quality of life for residents of the Oak Harbor community,” said Michael Shadoan, President of Oak Harbor Development Group and owner of Radiant Windows & Remodeling. “The new trail is getting a lot of action, and the community loves it!”

The fitness trail project was initially part of approximately $3.3 million in total grant funding awarded in 2019 through ODNR’s NatureWorks program, which enhances outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Ohio. The Oak Harbor trail project cost approximately $150,000, with the ODNR funding $84,000.

The Oak Harbor Development Group funded almost $48,000, and the remaining balance came from the Village of Oak Harbor, a Facebook fundraiser and the US Bank Foundation.

For walkers and runners only, the trail is Phase One of the Veteran’s Park Improvement Project expected to include privately-dedicated benches and several fitness stations that focus on the four elements of a well-rounded fitness program: muscle, balance/flexibility, core and aerobic fitness.

The intended fitness stations will feature inclusive options for beginners, seniors, wheelchair users, and advanced users.

Veteran’s Park, which is a popular community space year-round, also offers a sledding hill, little league ball diamonds, a softball diamond with a concession stand, basketball courts, volleyball courts, a skatepark, and a multitude of playground equipment and shelter houses.

“From Veterans Park to the Portage Riverfront, we are excited about the new recreational options available to our residents,” said Mayor Quinton Babcock. “Through generous private partners and the aggressive pursuit of grant funding, our residents are enjoying these improvements at a fraction of the cost.”

The Oak Harbor Development Group, a 501c3 organization, seeks community partners and sponsorship of dedication benches and fitness equipment, ranging from $250 to $7,000 per item. Such community support is tax deductible as a donation to the Oak Harbor Development Group.

To partner with the Village and Development Group, contact the Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce, 419-898-0479, or the Village of Oak Harbor, 419-898-5561.