Sandusky Bay Pathway promotes progress

SANDUSKY — They've turned a tragedy into a triumphant trail. More than 100 people, including those representing the Wightman-Wieber Foundation, dedicated the Sandusky Bay Pathway from Jackson Street Pier off Shoreline Drive. While this pathway section debuted a year ago, gatherings such as Thursday's couldn't occur until recently due to COVID-19-related restrictions. Back in 2018, foundation representatives pledged $500,000 to the city government specifically for creating a protected, paved pathway going down Shoreline Drive and abutting Lake Erie. The money allowed Sandusky to begin building out this pathway, today totaling about 2 miles uninterrupted. The protected, paved pathway spans from AMVETS Post 17 on Putnam Street to the Washington Street Pier and runs through many downtown areas. Gene Kidwell, the foundation's president who spoke Thursday, acted as a leading voice to back this initiative and subsequent financial contribution. He appreciates this trail because it keeps bicyclists and other non-motorized traffic separated from vehicles, thus decreasing the possibility of an unfortunate accident. "Supporting this project was really quite an easy one," said Kidwell, noting his organization intends on bringing back programming, most notably the annual Safety Fair and KidsFest, in 2022. "With the amazing leadership of our city, we are anxious to see what the future has for all of us," he said. Sandusky city manager Eric Wobser spoke after Kidwell. He referenced how this event can kick-start future pathway developments. By 2029, officials ideally want to create an uninterrupted 13-mile-long waterfront route, connecting Sandusky's west side to its east end, linking parks, piers, restaurants, hotels, businesses, wooded areas and more. "The first mile the Wightman-Wieber made possible is the down payment on that 13-mile trail," Wobser said. "We hope, eventually, it becomes an 80-mile trail, linking Cleveland and Toledo that started right here in Sandusky." Wobser then lumped the pathway in with two other nearby projects: Jackson Street Pier's transformation and Shoreline Drive's overhaul, both also unveiled in 2020. "None of it would have been possible without the courage of the Sandusky city commissioners to hang in there when they got punched in the face about 1,000 times four years ago and told that this was going to ruin the city again and again and again," Wobser said. "But they made it possible, and the Wightman-Wieber Foundation made it possible with a lead gift at a time when it wasn't popular to touch these projects," he noted. "I am so proud of these projects. Let's please not slow down. Let's speed up and find ways to build the rest of this path to celebrate this entire community and to keep these positive partnerships and investments going." Following the ceremony, about 100 bicyclists went on a group ride with Sandusky Bay Cycles, which started and ended along the pathway. History lesson Beginning in 1989, and earning incorporation status in 1996, the foundation donates to local organizations supporting arts and humanities, the environment, youth services and, among other areas, safety. Including the bike path contribution, the foundation has provided about $5 million to area entities since 2000. The foundation was established by Darlene M. Wightman Lowery and Karleen Wieber in memory of their daughters, Karrie Ann Wieber and Michelle Wightman, who were killed in a car-train collision in 1989. Several family members attended a 2018 ceremony to both support the donation and offer their congratulations to Sandusky for its pathway project. "This is going to make me cry," said Lowery, the mother of Michelle. "Just to know the legacy of my daughter will carry on after I'm gone, that means a lot. It will always be here." During Thursday's pathway ceremony, city ex officio mayor Dick Brady talked about the foundation's importance. "The decision by these two moms and their families to turn a family tragedy into so many civic contributions, that span decades, is a testament to their love of their daughters and their love for the city of Sandusky," Brady said. "We are pleased to stand with them, knowing this pathway will forever be remembered as a legacy for their daughters, Karrie Ann Wieber and Michelle Wightman."