Immediate Release
June 12, 2009
Batavia, Ohio. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Friday, June 19, 2009 for phase one of the Williamsburg to Batavia hike-bike trail. The ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. at the Broadway Street entrance to the trail in Williamsburg. Parking will be available at the Harmony Hill Historical Museum, located at 299 S. Third Street in Williamsburg; shuttle service will be provided beginning at 10:30 a.m. Following the ribbon cutting, those attending will be invited to take a short walk to the Broadway overlook for refreshments.
“What started as an economic development quest by the Village of Williamsburg has evolved into one of the most energized collaborative projects I’ve ever been involved with,” said Williamsburg Mayor Mary Ann Lefker.
“This project was meant to happen,” added Clermont County Recorder Debbie Clepper, who has been actively working on the project for several years. “This trail will be a huge asset to Clermont County citizens and our beautiful East Fork region.”
Phase one of the project is a 2.5 mile trail that winds through the East Fork wildlife area to an overlook at Harsha Lake; hikers and bikers will cross a new bridge over Cain Run and go past a wetland. Phase two of the project, will extend the trail to the East Fork State Park campground; it is set to be completed by 2011.
“The trail will eventually span 15 miles and has been a successful collaboration among local, county, and state agencies, as well as community members,” said Clermont Board of Commissioners President Ed Humphrey. Among those involved with the project: Village of Williamsburg, Village of Batavia, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Clermont County Engineer’s Office, Clermont County Park District, Board of Clermont County Commissioners, Clermont General Health District, Ohio Kentucky and Indiana regional council of governments, and the Ohio Department of Transportation.
For more information, contact Clermont County Park District Director Chris Clingman at (513) 732-2977. #
For additional information about this or other county news, contact Clermont County Communications Director Kathryn Lehr at (513) 732-7597 or by e-mail, klehr@co.clermont.oh.us.