University/Parks Trail

The University/Parks Trail is a rail trail in metropolitan area of Toledo, Ohio, United States. The trail is open to walkers, bikers, joggers and in-line skaters.

University/Parks Trail
Section of the Trail between Holland-Sylvania Road and McCord Road
Length6.3 mi (10.1 km)
LocationLucas County, Ohio, USA
TrailheadsUniversity of Toledo to Sylvania, Ohio
UseMulti-use
Hiking details
Trail difficulty Wheelchair accessible[1]
SeasonYear-round
SightsWildwood Preserve Metropark
Right of wayToledo, Angola and Western Railroad[2][3]

Location
  • Western terminus: Sylvania, intersection with Silica Road 41°40′58″N 83°43′59″W
  • Eastern terminus: University of Toledo, intersection with East Rocket Drive 41°39′16″N 83°36′45″W

Trail route

The trail runs over the right-of-way of the late Toledo, Angola and Western Railroad. Starting at the University of Toledo, the trail runs 7.0 miles (11.3 km) to Silica Road in Sylvania, Ohio. The trail crosses roads seven times, twice over rail bridge. The other crosses form intersections, two of which have stop lights. The park has neighborhood access, and has an entrance to Wildwood Preserve Metropark. From King Road, one can travel north to Milton Olander Park and east to Westfield Franklin Park. From the University of Toledo, one can travel northeast to Ottawa Park.

History

The path the trail follows was originally the tracks of the Toledo, Angola and Western Railroad, laid in 1902.[2][3] When the railroad abandoned their right of way, five public agencies joined together to create the trail. The trail was completed with a $1.3 million federal grant, given through the Ohio Department of Transportation.[4] The trail officially opened to public use in September 1995, although many had been enjoying the paved parts of the path as construction was going on elsewhere on the path.[4] In July 2019 a .6 mile extension was opened from King Road to Silica Road.[5]

Involved public agencies
Trail sign on McCord Road.

Five public agencies were involved in the creation of the trail;[4] they are:

See also

References
  1. "Ohio Wheelchair Accessible Trails". Traillink. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
  2. Metroparks of the Toledo Area (2000), University/Parks Trail Brochure, Toledo, Ohio
  3. "Toledo, Angola & Western Railway Co". Michigan's Internet Railroad History Museum. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
  4. The University of Toledo (January 5, 2000), University/Parks Trail, archived from the original on 2007-02-12, retrieved 2007-07-01
  5. "University/Parks Trail extension opens in Sylvania Township". Toledo Blade. Retrieved 15 November 2019.
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