ZANESVILLE, Ohio — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine joined leaders from the city of Zanesville, Muskingum Valley Park District, Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to break ground on a new walking and biking trail along the banks of the Muskingum River on Friday.
The new Canal Park Trail will begin at East Main Street in Zanesville, proceed along the riverfront through Muskingum River State Park, and end at the historic Lock and Dam #10. It will feature benches, picnic tables, an ADA accessible kayak launch, a deck overlooking the river, and an amphitheater for public events. Local partners hope to eventually connect the Canal Park Trail to other local trails, creating a continuous paved recreational trail from South Zanesville to Dresden.
The project is being funded with a $1.1 million grant from Governor DeWine’s Wonderful Waterfronts Initiative. The initiative is part of the larger Appalachian Community Grant Program that is investing $500 million into Ohio’s Appalachian region.
“Our administration has always felt a strong commitment to help Ohio’s Appalachian communities thrive, and the projects we’re supporting are truly transforming this region,” said Governor DeWine. “The ultimate goal is to attract more people to Appalachia Ohio not only to visit but also to live, work, and raise their families.”
In addition to the Wonderful Waterfronts Initiative, the Appalachian Community Grant Program also includes the Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative, which has launched school-based health clinics throughout the region, and the Appalachian Downtowns and Destinations Initiative, which is focused on raising the region’s profile by revitalizing historic downtown districts, creating new opportunities for recreation, and amplifying the experience for those visiting the region’s cultural sites.
Other projects in Zanesville supported by the Appalachian Community Grant Program include ongoing renovations to Secrest Auditorium and new school-based health clinics at Zanesville High School and Zane Gray Elementary.
Appalachian Community Grant Projects are underway or complete in all 32 of Ohio’s Appalachian counties.
