Transcription
TowpathMiami and Erie Canal Corridor AssociationTimeswww.meccainc.orgVolume 12 Number 1 Spring 2009Corridor Partners Hear From Parks ChiefThe annual Partnership Dinner for the Miami and ErieCanal Corridor Association was held at American LegionPost 217 in Sidney on Thursday evening, April 30. About60 MECCA members and interested parties attended tohear talks on the theme “Connecting the Corridor” fromPiqua to Delphos.From Miami County, Robert J. Shook spoke on theprogress of the Miami County Bikeway, part of theMiami Conservancy District. Shook is Chairman of theMiami County Trails Task Force, and mentioned that hisorganization isheavily involved inthe developmentof bicycle trailsand is formulatingplans for watertrails. Shookemphasized theneed to aggressivelydevelop public andprivate partnershipsto accomplishaggressive goals.System is one of the nation’s great engineering marvels.MECCA Executive Director Neal Brady gave an updateon other accomplishments and current projects in thecanal corridor. On-going streetscape projects in Delphosand Spencerville are drawing more people to use thecanal corridor for recreational purposes. Downtowndevelopment in St. Marys is centered along the canal asit passes through the center of town, and the canal figuresprominently in decisions for improvements.The eveningalso included apresentation byDan West, Chiefof the OhioDepartment ofNatural ResourcesDivision of Parksand Recreation.Recent realignmentof ODNR divisionsplaces the canalDan West (left) Chief of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Divisionheritage corridorof Parks and Recreation speaks at the Partnership Dinner with ODNR’sunder West’sSteve Dorsten, who works out of the St. Marys Office.supervision.“It’s not too far of a stretch for Parks and Recreation to bethe keeper of this great historical resource. We feel verycomfortable that we’re in the right game,” West said.He also noted that Ohio has the last hand-operated lockand dam system in the U.S. and that the Ohio CanalIn New Bremen,continued developmentof the Kuenning-DickeNatural Area is bringingpeople out to enjoythe walking trails andtowpath trail alongthe canal. Brady alsoannounced that bidswill be advertised andawarded during Junefor construction of theLockkeeper’s Houseadjacent to Lock Onein downtown NewBremen. The MECCAoffice will move to theLockkeeper’s Housewhen the building iscompleted in early2010.Several Village officialsfrom Minster attendedthe partnership event,as the canal corridorwill be included inplans for streetscapeand infrastructureimprovements inMinster in the near future.A summary of renovation and improvement work onthe five “stair step” locks at Lockington showed how theMiami County Bikeway will eventually be connected withthe canal corridor to provide additional trails for public
Lockkeeper’s House Close to Becoming RealitySubmitted by Jim CoonsExecutive Director, SouthwesternAuglaize County Chamber ofCommerce and MECCA SecretaryAfter several years of thought, andtwo years of fundraising and detailedplanning, the historic Lockkeeper’sHouse in New Bremen is very close tobecoming a reality.After many years of service duringthe canal era, the structure (knownin New Bremen as “the ThompsonHouse”) was razed in the mid 1960’s.Efforts to reconstruct the buildingwere spurred by the successfulrenovation of Lock One North in2006-07.At this time, plans prepared byGarman-Miller and Associates ofMinster, Ohio, have been approvedby the state. A TransportationEnhancement grant through the OhioDepartment of Transportation wasapproved in the 2009-2010 budget forfunding in excess of 500,000. TheNew Bremen Historic Associationhas met the goal of providing localmatching funds of approximately 131,000.The Village of New Bremen will beadvertising for bids on the projectduring June with constructionexpected to begin in July 2009.Completion of the Lockkeeper’sHouse and occupancy by MECCAand the Southwestern AuglaizeCounty Chamber of Commerce isexpected in early 2010.Design and construction plans callfor numerous “green technology”components: compact fluorescentand dimmable lighting controlledby occupancy sensors, metal roofing,low-E glass, tankless water heating,and superior insulation. Plans alsoinclude options for geothermalheating and cooling.The historic look and feel of thebuilding will be complemented with21st Century technology. Canal eralighting fixtures, doors and windows,paneling, and siding are being usedalong with multi-media video andaudio systems, and computerizeddisplays. Several areas of thebuilding will be equipped with “newtechnology” for interpretative andeducational displays and presentations.Of course, the building is completelyhandicap accessible with elevatoraccess to all three floors.Final decisions on decorations,furniture, murals, displays and thelike will be made as the buildingconstruction progresses.Fundraising efforts will continuewith the sale of keys to the frontdoor. One lucky person will purchasethe one key that unlocks thebuilding and win 1000 in cash andnumerous other prizes, including alifetime membership to the HistoricAssociation. Keys are available for 20 each from MECCA and theChamber of Commerce. The winnerwill be determined at the time thebuilding is dedicated.For further information, to make acontribution or to purchase a key,contact the MECCA office.Historic artistic rendering of Lock One and Lockkeeper’s House in New Bremen.-- 2 --
National Trails DayCelebrates New TrailSubmitted by Allison BradyExecutive DirectorHeritage Trails Park DistrictLock 4 South in Lockington is showing its age.State Budgets Funding forRenovations at LockingtonFrom the fiscal year 2009 Capital Budget of the State of Ohio, 462,000 has been awarded to the Village of Lockington and the OhioHistorical Society for the lock stabilization of the Lockington Locks.The Lockington Locks includes five locks at the south end of thesummit of the Miami and Erie Canal.The locks are inoperable and are maintained as a vestige of the canalsystem and as an important example of civil engineering work of the19th century. They are listed on the National Register of HistoricPlaces.A study was completed by McMullan and Associates, Inc. ConsultingStructural Engineers of Vienna, Virginia, an authority on lockconstruction and preservations to determine what work was needed topreserve the 5 locks.The study determines that two of the locks must be reconstructedand the others undergo substantial stabilization and reconstructionif the site is to be preserved and the safety of the public maintained.Comparing measurements taken in 1986, the consultants found thatthe walls continue to move inward due to the deterioration of thecribbing and the force of the earth behind the walls.Standard engineering margins of safety are no longer being met andsections of the walls could collapse at any time. Besides endangering thepublic, collapse of the walls would make reconstructions difficult andmore expensive. Work on the locks is expected to begin in early 2010.-- 3 --Join in thecelebrationof NationalTrails Day onJune 6, 2009as we open anew sectionof theMiami andErie CanalTowpathTrail witha shortceremonyto dedicatethe trailbeginning at10 a.m. Located at Noble Township Hallin Auglaize County, this 2 mile section oftowpath has been rebuilt with a grant fromthe Clean Ohio Fund to the Heritage TrailsPark District.Take a hike and then stop in and visit theAuglaize Outdoors Show from 9 AM toNoon. This show puts the emphasis onenjoying the outdoors. The many exhibitswill focus on conservation, recreation,education, wildlife, and fitness. Takeadvantage of the Road to Fitness 5K Run/Walk, sponsored by Joint Township DistrictMemorial Hospital.All events are free and open to the public.Refreshments will be served. Bring theentire family and enjoy the morning with ahike on the towpath trail.The American Hiking Society sponsorsNational Trails Day. All around the countrypeople will be working on and enjoyinghiking trails. You can be part of the nationalcelebration right here in Auglaize County.Local sponsors include the Heritage TrailsPark District, the Miami and Erie CanalCorridor Association, Joint TownshipDistrict Memorial Hospital, and TheEvening Leader.
Spencerville Streetscape Phase II to BeginBy L. Neal BradyExecutive DirectorMiami and Erie Canal Corridor AssociationThe Village of Spencerville hasdeveloped plans and a Streetscape Projectwill be undertaken on the State Route 66,designated as the Miami and Erie CanalScenic Byway and on Third Street to theedge of the Miami and Erie Canal.This is considered Phase II of a fourphase enhancement program developedin 2006. The estimated cost of theStreetscape Project is 1,200,000 withgrants covering all costs except forapproximately 106,000 for local villagefunding.The components to the project onBroadway Street (State Route 66)between Second and Fourth Streetsinclude repair of sidewalks, curb andgutter; installation of brick pavers;planting of 30 trees; installations of raisedplanters with shrubbery, handicappedramps, trash receptacles and benches;decorative lighting; and street resurfacing.The focal point of the project is theenhancement of Third Street to theMiami and Erie Canal. The componentsinclude replacement of the asphaltlot with brick pavers and concrete,installation of a clock, installation ofraised planters with shrubbery, decorativelighting, trash receptacles and benches,and an information center with canalinterpretative signage.The construction will begin July 1, 2009(immediately following the SpencervilleSummerfest scheduled for June 25 -28,2009) and expected completion on Sept.30, 2009.In 2016, Phase III of the enhancementprogram is expected to begin. The Miamiand Erie Canal Enhancement Project willaddress canal bank stabilization, greenwaydevelopment and pedestrian access tothe local business community along theSamples of interpretive signage that is scheduled to be a part ofwatered section of canal.Spencerville’s Phase II Streetscape Project.-- 4 --
Lock 13 Work ContinuesLock 13 is being reconstructed and concrete work willbe completed by 2010. Plans include the installationof wooden gates and control fixtures similar to thefixtures that were used to control water and liftcanal boats through the lock during the canal era.The reconstructed lock will be a focal point for theuptown community and a walkway will be completedconnecting Memorial Park and the Carl Chiles Trailthat extends to the north towards 40 Acre. Recently,renovation work was completed under the SpringStreet Bridge in the towpath trail tunnel. Painting,installation of decorative light fixtures and brick pavershighlight this section of Towpath Trail through thecommunity.Adjacent to Lock 13, construction on the FirstFinancial Banking Center is underway. A concreteretaining wall has been installed and will permit thefilling of the site behind the wall between SpringStreet and High Street. Development of a parkingarea and public access between the two streets will becompleted.Work continues on Lock 13 project in St. Marys.First Winter Hike Held on Towpath TrailBy L. Neal BradyExecutive DirectorMiami and Erie Canal CorridorAssociationMore than 30 walkers braved thefreezing rain to walk sections ofTowpath Trail between Minster andLock Two for the first ever “WinterCanal Hike” Jan. 10, 2009.will earn points towards rewards andprizes. The Hike was a collaborativeeffort with the goal of assistingindividuals to achieve a healthierlifestyle.In addition to MECCA and GrandLake Health System, the Winter Hikewas also sponsored by The DannonCompany, New Bremen- NewKnoxville Rotary Club, New BremenHistorical Society, Minster HistoricalSociety, Southwestern AuglaizeCounty Chamber of Commerce,Heritage Trails Park District and thevillages of Minster and New Bremen.The central starting point was theCrown Pavilion in New Bremenand some walkers went to Minsterand visited the Minster HistoricalMuseum. Other walkers enjoyedthe towpath to the Kuenning DickeNatural Area for a round trip totallength of 5 kilometers. Participantsregistered and were armed with hotchocolate, coffee, DanActive andgranola bars for making the trek.The Winter Hike was the kick-offevent for the Grand Lake HealthSystem’s “Road to Fitness” programthat encourages individuals to walk,run, bike, and hike in organizedevents in the Canal Heritage Corridor.Through the program, participantsHikers brave the frozen towpath for the first-ever Winter Canal Hike.-- 5 --
River Basin Designated “Important Bird Area”Submitted by Allison BradyExecutive DirectorHeritage Trails Park DistrictThe St. Marys River Basin was dedicatedas an Important Bird Area (IBA) byAudubon Ohio on May 6, 2009.This ecosystem located in Auglaize,Mercer and Van Wert Counties is oneof 66 in Ohio identified as having highquality habitat. The Miami and ErieCanal runs through the St. Marys Riverwatershed from New Bremen north toSpencerville, making the canal a vitalpart of this IBA.The goal of this program is to restore,enhance, and develop land managementpractices in the St. Marys Riverwatershed to protect and enhance waterquality and wildlife habitat.These practices include the restorationand development of wetlands, riparianIBA committee L to R in front: Jill Bowers, Carol Bertrand, President,buffers, windbreaks, grass filter strips,Tri Moraine Audubon, Allison Brady. Back Row: Gary Steinbrunner,Conservation Outreach Specialist, St. Marys River IBA, Jay Frysinger, and field borders, reforestation, andconservation easements.John Bowers.Eagle Scout Tackles Interpretive Sign ProjectNew Bremen High School senior,Brandon Rose of Boy Scout Troop 95added to the community and worked inmeeting requirements for Eagle Scoutstatus by developing and installingsignage along the Miami and Erie Canalin the New Bremen. Brandon chose thisproject because of the historical canalconnection to the village. By sharingand interpreting the canal facts with trailusers, the local history will not be lost.MECCA President Tom Fledderjohannand Executive Director Neal Bradyassisted in gathering informationand determining site location for thesigns. Eight signs were placed betweenAmsterdam Road and Lock 2 highlightingsites as Amsterdam Road Bridge, theBump Bridge at Plum Street, ice ponds,dry docks and the location of mile Marker123.One of eight interpretive signs erected in the New Bremen ares.-- 6 --
Park Project in New BremenThe Village of New Bremen has reviewed numerousoptions for the stabilization of the canal section at theintersection of SR 66 (Washington Street) and SR 274(Monroe Street). New Bremen Village Council membersvoted to enclose the canal with a concrete culvertand develop a landscaped open park on the site. TheNew Bremen - New Knoxville Rotary Club has beencoordinating with the village and will sponsor the sitedevelopment. Plans include tree and shrub plantings,brick paved areas, walkways, raised planters and parkbenches.Trail Bridge in Henry CountySubmitted by Rick AdamsonBT/NCT State Trail CoordinatorThe Henry County Park Board in concert with the BuckeyeTrail Association received 52,000 in grants to purchaseand construct three fiberglass bridge structures on theTowpath Trail in Henry County. These bridges are installedand now connect trail sections that were once inaccessible.The bridge placement will permit the relocation of theBuckeye Trail and the North County National Scenic Trailfrom public roadways onto this now contiguous sectionof Towpath Trail. An additional grant is being submittedfor another 60 feet fiberglass bridge at an estimated cost of 25,000. The additional bridge will extend the TowpathTrail network through Henry County.Canal area to be replaced by park in New Bremen.Swinging Bridge PlannedODNR Division Switch for CanalSubmitted by Steve DorstenThe Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director SeanLogan on March 15, 2009 realigned all state-owned canal landsfrom ODNR Division of Water to ODNR Division of Parks andRecreation. The realignment will streamline processes, do awaywith overlapping services and strengthen the canal program.Director Logan has watched the canal program grow over the yearsand expects the move to a bigger division with more resourcesto enhance the program and allow it to expand and blossom.Partnerships and previous agreements with the Division of Waterwill remain intact and strengthened upon.Ohio Canal Lands have long held a relationship with CanalReservoirs and State Parks such as Grand Lake St. Marys, IndianLake, Lake Loramie, Mary Jane Thurston and Independence Damon the Miami and Erie Canal; along with Portage Lakes, GuilfordLake, Beaver Creek, Salt Fork, Muskingum River, Buckeye Lakeand Lake White on the Ohio and Erie Canal.The opportunity offers to utilize these new resources forcontinuing the vision of opening and connecting the Miami andErie Canal Heritage Corridor.All Miami and Erie Canal Lands contact information remains thesame: Steve Dorsten; ODNR Division of Parks and Recreation;834 Edgewater Dr.; St. Marys, Oh; 45885; 419-394-5950.-- 7 --The Buckeye Trail Association in cooperation with severalbusinesses and partners are planning to install a 146’ longswinging bridge over Blue Creek in Paulding County. Studentsfrom the Engineering School of Ohio Northern Universitydesigned the structure to meet all safety standards. The bridgewill be anchored at one end into the foundation of the originalwooden aqueduct that spanned the creek. The estimated costof the swinging bridge is 125,000. Most materials, supplies andlabor for construction and installation will be donated by localand regional businesses. The anticipated completion date is fall2009.Minster Street Project set for 2011The Village of Minster will receive TransportationEnhancement funding that will allow the village to undertakevaluable aesthetic improvements to promote the FourthStreet corridor as a focal point of the community. The fundingavailable through the program would allow the village toundertake a complete street reconstruction and streetscapeproject. The heritage inspired design of the streetscape wouldinclude the removal of overhead utilities and existing concretesidewalks would be replaced with a combination of bricks andconcrete. Other items would include pedestrian crosswalkenhancements, tree and decorative plantings, historicallythemed street lighting and traffic signals as well as signage andstreetscape furnishings such as benches and trash receptacles.Planning and engineering of the project has already begun witha construction date tentatively set for 2011.
TAX-DEDUCTIBLE GIVING TO MECCAMany people consider making charitable contributions for income tax purposes. Remember, MECCAis a tax-exempt entity and contributions to it are tax deductible. Contributions can be in cash or “inkind”. Appreciated stock can be given to a charity and the donor gets a charitable deduction for thefair market value of the stock on the date of the gift. If you are considering charitable gifts pleaseconsider a contribution to MECCA to help promote the historic canal corridor.Miami Erie Canal Corridor Association (MECCA)Membership/Donation FormPlease check membership or donation level desired 15 Individual . . . . . . 25 Family . . . . . . 50 Sponsor . . . . . . . 100 Partner . . . . . 250 Corridor Partner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .One-time tax deductible contribution of . . . . . . . . . . . . .Total amount enclosed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Name AddressCity State Zip emailClip and Mail This Form to: MECCA P.O. Box 246 New Bremen, Ohio 45869Return Address RequestedMiami and Erie Canal Corridor Association130 S. Washington St.P.O. Box 246New Bremen, Ohio 45869
The annual Partnership Dinner for the Miami and Erie Canal Corridor Association was held at American Legion . Historic artistic rendering of Lock One and Lockkeeper’s House in New Bremen. . lot with brick pavers
