The concept of connecting the bay-side trail from Oak Harbor Marina to Scenic Heights is nothing new.
But after 20 years of talking, planning, acquiring easements and gathering support, the waterfront trail will finally become a reality.
“This has been a long time coming,” City Engineer Eric Johnston said.
Oak Harbor residents are invited to attend an open house for the trail to be held at City Hall Tuesday, Sept. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. At this meeting, people can learn more about the connecting trail and ask questions about the project.
The ground breaking ceremony is set for Monday, Sept 29 at 4 p.m. at Flintstone Park, with construction slated to begin Oct. 1.
Completing the connecting segment is a community-wide effort, Johnston said. Assistance from businesses, contractors and skilled laborers made this project come to fruition, he said.
Once the waterfront wrail segment is completed, it will wind from the marina, along the coastline, through Freund Marsh to Scenic Heights Road, in an unbroken, 1.5 mile pathway.
Mayor Jim Slowik included the waterfront trail in the state of the city address on Sept. 18, calling the effort the pet project of former Mayor Patty Cohen.
“Under the leadership of councilor (Rick) Almberg, we have a volunteer effort under way,” he said.
The material portion of the trail is being funded by the city from the sale of Izett Street during the development of Harbor Station off Highway 20, Slowik told the News-Times.
Half of the money made from the sale of the street, approximately $70,000, is being used to purchase the materials for the waterfront trail project, said Johnston.
The new section of trail will be made from a material that resembles wood but is actually recycled plastic from grocery bags and milk bottles combined with wood fiber.
The material will be constructed in a boardwalk style and will be handicap accessible, said Slowik.
“There was a huge community push. Once it got going, other people jumped on board,” Johnston said.
Businesses, contractors or skilled laborers with an interest in donating their time or services should contact City Engineer Eric Johnston at 279-4522.
