Paving Osborn MetroPark's path

HURON TWP. — Erie MetroParks officials took some major steps to begin enhancing one of the area's premier and most popular walking paths. During a recent public meeting, park commissioners finalized a $219,000 work order to pave the existing 1.2-mile, rectangular-shaped course encompassing the perimeter of Osborn MetroPark in Huron Township. The $219,000, coming from park funds backed largely by local taxpayers, represents a 22% decrease compared to an original estimate of $280,000. Rather than the gravel surface in place today, crews plan on laying down asphalt while also widening this path from 6 feet to 8 feet, making it handicap accessible and compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act regulations. For instance, they'll install a ramp with handrails in one section so those with wheelchairs can get through a small, gradual incline section. The work intends to retain the path's same distance and layout. Based on responses from locals — through a community survey, completed by hundreds of community members in 2024 — there's a strong desire for either more or better walkways throughout Erie MetroPark's network of park properties. Those desires pushed park officials to pursue a major makeover at Osborn MetroPark where thousands of people visit each year. "We really wanted to make sure we spent money on the things that people wanted, and one of the highest priorities people talked about was trails," park district executive director Melissa Price said. "We also don't have a (handicap-accessible pathway). And being in close proximity to a nursing home (The Meadows at Osborn MetroPark), we knew this would be the place for it." The upcoming job excites those who live at The Meadows. "This will be a fantastic addition to Osborn MetroPark," Meadows administrator Bob Dennie said. "The residents will be very happy, and it will improve their quality of life." Work should start in the coming weeks but must end by Oct. 9. Park officials hope the work can end by Sept. 8, a day before its annual Osborn Fall Fest happening on the grounds. When construction does happen, crews must incrementally shut down small portions of the trail where they're working. Other areas, however, should remain open. "Whether it's moms pushing strollers or grandparents out here with walkers or in wheelchairs, we wanted something to create an intergenerational connection that anyone could come out here and enjoy nature," said Price, noting the trail connects people to Osborn MetroPark's many amenities: the Discovery Trail, the Roger Johnson Nature Center, playgrounds, a pickleball court, soccer fields, disc golf course and more. "Once done, this will be a great addition for Osborn MetroPark," Price said.