PRESS RELEASE
Copley Township Awarded State Capital Dollars for Ridgewood Road Trail Project
For Immediate Release, Copley, Ohio --- Copley Township is pleased to announce we have been awarded $750,000 from the State of Ohio through the Capital Budget appropriations for the design and construction of the Ridgewood Road Trail Project. The project consists of a 1.2-mile, 8-foot wide, concrete multi-modal trail and sidewalk, connecting residential neighborhoods from Hametown Road to Copley High School along Ridgewood Road, then south along Cleveland Massillon Road to the existing Glacier’s Edge Trail (City of Fairlawn). In proximity to the proposed project is the presence of nearly 1,700 employees at 105 businesses, who would benefit from a non-motorized transportation route to work. Copley High School enrolls nearly 1,100 students and employs approximately 100 staff who would be potential users of this project. Due to the unsafe conditions on this stretch of roadway, anyone wishing to participate in any activity at the high school must travel by vehicle. Beyond those traveling to the high school, this proposed trail will also be the only pedestrian access for the nearly half of Copley's 18,000 residents that live west of State Route 21, to safely traverse to their schools, parks and downtown; all of which are on the east side of Route 21.
This award would not be possible without the support of our State Senator Kristina Roegner and our State Representative Bill Roemer. “I was very pleased to support this project for state capital funding – this will undoubtedly enhance recreation and safety for Copley residents,” said Roemer. “I am very thankful to my colleagues in the General Assembly and the local partners who have made this possible.” Senator Roegner added “I was delighted to work together with Representative Roemer to help secure funding for phase one of the Ridgewood Trail near Copley High School. I am excited about this project which will most certainly benefit the entire community”. The Board of Trustees are very appreciative of their ongoing support and representation of our Township.
It’s worth noting this is the first Capital Budget award Copley Township has received to date. We look forward to seeing this project come to life and to provide more bike and pedestrian transportation, safely, in our community. More information will continue to be provided through our social media channels and on the Township’s website. For any immediate questions, please contact Loudan Klein, Director of Community and Economic Development (lklein@copley.oh.us or 330.666.0108).
PRESS RELEASE RIDGEWOOD ROAD PROJECT