The Park District of Ottawa County has been awarded a Destination Development Grant of $6,459 by Shores & Islands Ohio, the destination marketing organization for Ottawa and Erie counties.

More than $460,000 in grants were awarded to 51 recipients in Erie and Ottawa counties, a major component of Shores & Islands Ohio’s strategic plan that focuses on supporting efforts to enhance the destination for visitors and residents.

The Park District of Ottawa County grant will assist in the development of a comprehensive trail feasibility study for the peninsula region, titled the Marblehead Peninsula Trail Feasibility Study, and help create additional public engagement opportunities.

With outdoor recreation driving the tourism industry in Ottawa County and data reflecting that trails are the most popular outdoor recreation activity statewide, developing and improving multi-use trails could significantly impact the regional economy. This feasibility study will gather all existing data and public input and bring together all collaborating partners throughout the Marblehead Peninsula region.

The feasibility study is critical to future state and federal grant funding for multi-use trail projects. The completed study will be accessible on the Park District website. Through discussions and previous project estimates the Park District has budgeted $60,000 for the project.

For more information on the Park District of Ottawa County, contact ottawacountyparksoh.org or Executive Director Jannah Wilson at jwilson@ottawacountyparksoh.org or 419-707-4051.