Rep. Kaptur, Local Officials Open Chessie Recreation Trail

First segment of 11.6 mile multi-use trail officially open to public

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) spoke this morning at the ribbon cutting ceremony to open the first leg of the 11-mile Chessie Circle Recreation Trail for public use. She was joined by Toledo Mayor Paula Hicks-Hudson, Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG) Transportation Administration Specialist Christine Connell, members of Toledo City Council and other stakeholders.

“This multi-use trail will connect the City of Toledo to some of our most important resources including the University of Toledo, Toledo-area metro parks and business districts and points throughout the city,” said Rep. Kaptur. “Connections like these help us build a stronger healthier Toledo community.”

At the event, Toledo Mayor Paula Hicks-Hudson referred to Rep. Kaptur’s “dogged determination in making this recreation opportunity available to Toledoans.” The trail network is part of the City of Toledo’s path-breaking effort to improve bicycle and pedestrian connectivity between Toledo’s neighborhoods, parks, schools, public spaces, business districts and the University of Toledo.

The Chessie Circle Trail will connect current and proposed multi-use trails in the City of Toledo as well as trails in neighboring communities in and around northern Wood County. Congresswoman Kaptur secured more than $5.5 million in federal funding through the 2005 highway bill to complete the purchase of the 11.6 mile CSX “Westside Corridor”, which has since become the Chessie Circle Trail.

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