Our region is not the only place undergoing a paradigm shift to create healthy living opportunities for the community. Developing pedestrian transportation resources, promoting our most obvious natural resources as assets to be enjoyed by the public and creating connectivity within and between neighborhoods—these are just a few of the ways that Defiance is creating more access and visibility to the Maumee and Auglaize Rivers. To beautify and enhance the confluence, developing a central location for a gathering place by envisioning a pedestrian “tridge – three legged bridge” connecting Kingsbury, Pontiac and Fort Defiance Parks together is just a start!
Riverfront Concepts
The City of Defiance has acquired several properties through the FEMA Floodplain Mitigation Program. The additional green space is becoming part of the park system which prompted the City to contract with a firm to develop a concept plan for the Riverfront and Confluence Area. One of the sketches appears on the back cover of our fall issue of Land to Lake Magazine.
Connectivity: Boat, Bike & Walking Trails
Maumee River Water Trail
The proposed Maumee River Water Trail will go from the state line to Lake Erie.
The ‘Trail’ is the River!
Designation as an ODNR State Water Trail will include signage at access points, water view signs, additional and improved access sites along with printed and digital maps. All of this makes planning your trip on the Maumee River easy, safer and fun. If you were not able to attend a public meeting, please learn more and share your input at:
metroparkstoledo.com/WaterTrail
Trail to Independence Dam
Plans are beginning to create a 4-mile pedestrian/bicycle trail along River Road, or County Road 424, by widening the road from Pontiac Park to Independence Dam State Park. The project is expected to get underway in 2018. We look forward to sharing more details as they become available.
This trail will allow pedestrian and bicycle traffic to travel safely along the existing roadway. This 4 mile stretch, when completed will allow trail users connectivity to the trail system in Lucas County, utilizing various tow path trails through Henry County.
Reservoir Nature Trail
The City has been awarded a grant for $150,000 from Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Recreational Trails Program toward the construction of a boardwalk-style pathway through the wooded portion of the municipal reservoir site. An asphalt path was constructed around most of the base of the Reservoir in 2015. This new boardwalk pathway will connect both ends of the existing asphalt path, giving trail users a unique woodland experience and completing the loop around the reservoir. This multi-use trail will be fully ADA compliant with select areas designated for birdwatching and educational features.
Buckeye Trail
Buckeye TrailThe City of Defiance and Defiance Development and Visitors Bureau (DDVB) have submitted an application for the designation of Defiance as a “Trail Town”. Watch for opportunities to enjoy
the trail and “follow the blue blazes.” Details at buckeyetrail.org.
Walking Trail at Defiance County East
This trail has two ½ mile sections, one gravel and one paved—starting on the back edge of the parking lot, looping around through the woods adjacent to the Maumee River. Spring is coming; it’s time to take advantage of these great resources in our community!
Rotary Walkway
Watch for new benches coming soon to enjoy views of the confluence!