Future Collaboration and Expansion of Partner Communities

7.1 FUTURE COLLABORATION AND EXPANSION OF PARTNER COMMUNITIES

This Southern Descent Heritage Trail project has resulted in significant tangible steps being taken to create, brand, and promote the trail to both residents and visitors. But, creation of the trail on the SeeOhioFirst.org website; creating a brand for the trail; developing text for interpretive signage to be used at individual sites and in the canal communities; and the collaborative spirit among multiple communities is just the beginning of a long-term process that can benefit the participating organizations and communities. Some of those benefits include the following:

Ҍ Educating local public officials and residents about their rich canal heritage and the importance of preserving the surviving canal features;

Ҍ Encouraging experiences of the canal heritage, such as special events, recreational and educational programs;

Ҍ Encouraging visitors to experience the canal heritage of the region;

Ҍ Promoting economic development through businesses that cater to heritage tourists, such as unique local shops, places to eat/drink, and overnight stays;

Ҍ Providing an introduction to other heritage and cultural experiences in the communities;

Ҍ Regional collaboration to magnify the impact of jointly-funded projects;

Ҍ Coordinated region-wide promotion of the Southern Descent Heritage Trail.

The following recommendations provide specific activities that would expand and sustain the Heritage Trail.