Fundraisers suggested for trail
Would connect VOA Park to Kings Island
BY JENNIFER EDWARDS | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER
WEST CHESTER TWP. - Thousands of people eventually could walk or bike from Voice
of America Park to Paramount's Kings Island - if supporters can come up with
$2.4 million.
Residents began brainstorming Tuesday night on ways to raise money without
increasing taxes for a six-mile bike trail around West Chester's Voice of
America Park that also would connect with a path along Tylersville Road in Mason
to the amusement park.
Their suggestions include holding benefit festivals, rock concerts and
triathlons; opening a fund at a local charitable foundation; and asking
corporations for donations.
Resident Dee Dee West said the schools should be involved, too. "If you get the
kids, you get the parents," said West, 55.
West Chester Trustee Lee Wong is spearheading the project, his first big
initiative since being elected last fall. He has credited his election in part
to cycling through most neighborhoods to talk with neighbors.
"I don't care if I get elected in the next term," Wong told about 30 residents.
"I want to get it built. If not now, when? We have been dragging for so long."
West Chester once had plans for the six-mile VOA path and a two-mile trail at
Beckett Park. But those have been on hold since a 2003 park levy failed.
Ideas discussed this week would be part of the proposed 84-mile Miami 2 Miami
regional bikeway, which would connect the Great Miami River Path with the Little
Miami Scenic Trail.
A 1.5-mile part of the Miami 2 Miami path runs from Fairfield Township into West
Chester, ending at Ohio 747 and Port Union Road.
In July, work begins on a $400,000 project to extend that path west about 1.5
miles to link to Ohio Bypass 4 in Fairfield.
At least one person at Tuesday's session doubted that West Chester's VOA bike
trail could be built without raising taxes.
"Corporate sponsors are getting tired of being hit up for donations for the
richest township in Ohio," said Jim Fearing, an architect who volunteers for the
Voice of America Museum restoration effort at VOA park.
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What's next
West Chester is forming a citizen committee to identify ways to raise money and
build a $2.4 million, six-mile bike trail around the Voice of America Park off
Tylersville Road.
The next meeting is 7:30 p.m. June 20 at the township hall, 9113
Cincinnati-Dayton Road.
Information: 513-777-5900.
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