Maumee River Trail

MAUME EE RIVER RTRAIL

Acknowledgements

Maumee River Trail Steering Committee Mike Duket Richard Meyers Gene Naujock Robert Seyfang Mike Young Anna Barchick-Suter, Urban Planning Student, University of Cincinnati Brandon Sehlhorst, Urban Planning Student, University of Cincinnati With Additional Assistance from the following: The City of Toledo, Engineering Services Division The City of Toledo, Parks, Recreation & Forestry Division Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commission Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments Metroparks of the Toledo Area

The Maumee River Trail Report was produced by the Design Center, a Service Division of the Downtown Toledo Development Corporation.

Proposed Logo

PROJECT AREA 6 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - AREA MAP

VISION & GOALS 7 HISTORY 8 - 9 OVERVIEW - VISTULA & MLK JR. NEIGHBORHOODS

THE CONCEPT 10 - 37 SECTIONS - WESTSIDE CORRIDOR - BIKE SHAREKEY PROGRAMS FOR SUCCESS

NEXT STEPS 39

Project Area

6

The Vision

The area being proposed for develop-

Broadway Streets along with many historic ar-

Vision

ment lies within the boundaries of the Maumee

eas including the Vistula and Martin Luther King

River Overlay District and beyond. It is being

Junior neighborhoods. The Maumee River Trail

(MRT) will connect multiple parks, schools, and

proposed that a multi-use trail be developed

(MRT) is being developed in a way to connect

business districts along Toledo’s waterfront.

posed bike share program that will further en-

along the Maumee River Corridor from Cullen

key assets along the River to one another. The

This paved, multi-purpose trail will also connect

courage use of the trail system. This program

Park in North Toledo to the CSX Bridge in South

area of focus will not only enhance the river as

to the University/Parks trail via the proposed

will allow those who don’t own a bicycle or have

Toledo, and eventually extending across the

a key destination but will also provide a nec-

Westside Trail, which will run along CSX railroad

a short term need to utilize the trails. Stations

River to the Craig Bridge and the I-280 Corridor.

essary connection between the River and the

The intitial study area is bound by Summit and

residents of the Toledo Metropolitan Area.

lines.

Once complete, the Maumee River Trail Coupled with the proposed trail is a pro-

will be installed at high traffic locations.

Goals Detwiler Park

The Maumee River Trail aims to: and pedestrians to use.

• Connect River property from North Toledo to South Toledo, on both sides of the River.

• Encourage bicycle and pedestrian activity.

• Boost park use and connections to sur-

Middlegrounds Metropark

Walbridge Park

International Park

Maumee River Trail phase 2 W.W. Knight Preserve

Westside Corridor University/Parks Trail

through the Westside Trail.

• Revitalize key neighborhood business districts such as Point Place, Vistula Historic

rounding neighborhoods.

District, Downtown Toledo Broadway Street,

• Open the River to the public.

Beverly Place Business District, Rossford,

• Connect existing fragmented bike/hike trails.

and East Toledo.

• Provide a safe, continuous trail for bicyclists

Proposed Maumee River Trail

• Connect the MRT to the University/Parks trail

History

8

Toledo, Ohio was founded in 1833

area is located just south of downtown right before the

downtown and the existing historic Martin Luther King

along the Maumee River in the North-

bend in the river. This is one of Toledo’s oldest areas

Jr. and

west portion of Ohio. Toledo was poised

and has served as the city’s main freight depot. Efforts

for success with its location along Lake

were made in the late 1800s to bring residents to this

The Vistula District

Erie and in the Midwest for rail and

isolated section of the city with the construction of the

The Vistula Historic District is Toledo’s first

It is located southwest of the Middle-

waterway access. Thus, the banks of the

Oliver House, a hotel prized for its renowned architect,

and oldest neighborhood. It is located directly north

grounds area where it is claimed that

Maumee River have been developed to

Isaiah Rogers. Later on this area became more devel-

of downtown bounded by Cherry, Magnolia, Champ-

Toledo started. The neighborhood en-

accommodate industries looking to take

oped as a hub for warehouses.

lain, and Summit Streets. The Vistula District has his-

joys its proximity to Swan Creek to I-75,

advantanage of Toledo’s strongest asset

Since the 1940s the City of Toledo has been

toric significance dating back to the Toledo War fought

to industrial property to the south, and

as a transportation hub. Unfortunately,

determined to revitalize the area and restore its

between Michigan and Ohio. The Vistula Neighbor-

the scenic viewing areas located along

through the process, residents of Toledo

dominance in the Toledo region. The multiple plans

hood currently sits ripe for rejuvenation as many his-

the water’s edge. The Maumee River

have lost their connection to the Maumee

produced a call for the area to be an urban village with

toric neighborhoods in cities become re-energized by

Trail aims to connect this historic com-

River. Industries have blocked views and

townhouses and apartment/commercial complexes.

young professionals. The key to redeveloping the area

munity back to the Maumee River. This

access points to the scenic River caus-

produced

is to blur the divide between Downtown Toledo and

will

ing a disconnect between nature and

acknowledges the area’s potential for some greater

the existing neighborhood boundary. The Maumee

Middlegrounds, Downtown, and South

residents.

use and calls for the connectivity of the site to down-

River Trail provides residents of both districts with the

Toledo.

The railroad’s dominance along

town and the adjacent neighborhoods. The key to suc-

ability to cross Cherry Street in a safe and pleasant

the river has made redevelopment ef-

cess of the Middlegrounds area and the proposed

manner.

forts very difficult. The Middlegrounds

Middleground Metropark is connecting the area to

Every

plan

that

has

been

Vistula Neighborhoods.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Neighborhood

The MLK Jr. Neighborhood is one

of the oldest neighborhoods in Toledo.

create greater connectivity to the

Cullen Park to Manhattan

Cullen Park’s main purpose is a boat launch

area, but also includes unofficial pedestrian-made paths that extend onto a causeway that overlooks the Maumee River and Lake Erie. The proximity of Cullen Park to the residences of Point Place makes it ideal for MRT’s northern trailhead. Area residents already enjoy an existing bike path that streches from Cullen Park to Detwiler Park and connects to the existing Manhattan Boulevard Trail. The existing trail has magnificent views of the Maumee River and is a high traffic area for trail users looking for a scenic experience along the riverfront.

10

Manhattan to Cleveland

12

The existing Detwiler Trail continues

have safe access to Detwiler Park. The Man-

through the southern portion of Point Place and

hattan Trail connects to the Suder Avenue bike

ends at Manhattan Boulevard. The trail is prized

lane which continues north.

for its safe pedestrian commute, specifically at

the crossing of Summit Street.

shade trees make for a safe and scenic com-

mute along the Manhattan Boulevard Trail.

The existing trail connects Cullen Park

to Detwiler Park and ends at the intersection of Manhattan Boulevard and Summit Street.

Detwiler Park is home to various

rec-

reational options including baseball fields, golf course, and the Detwiler Swimming Facility.

Neighbors from Point Place and the

adjacent neighborhood bordering Manhattan

The noticeable signage and mature

Cleveland St. to I-280

The existing trail ends at Manhattan Bou-

14 The potential for the implementation of

levard and continues west until Suder Avenue.

a Safe Routes to School program is greatly in-

The Division of Engineering Services is current-

creased with the proximity of Chase and Bir-

ly proposing narrowing Summit Street from 48

mingham Elementary Schools and the safe

feet to 24 feet, leaving for 12 feet in right-of-way

commute along the Maumee Riverfront Trail

on either side.

for students.

This reconstruction would allow the Mau-

mee Riverfront Trail to continue along Summit

Proposed Roundabout

Street in the newly created right-of-way. The

trail will extend from Manhattan Boulevard on

Streets is a traffic concern. This intersection

the north side of Summit until the I-280 Bridge

should be studied for a possible roundabout to

where it continues across the Craig Bridge into

allow for the consistent flow of traffic from both

East Toledo.

Summit Street and Galena Street, similiar to the

existing roundabout at Glendale and Broadway.

Riverfront Northwest Park and Jamie Farr

Park and Swimming Pool are key recreational facilities being connected along the proposed trail. The proposed trail will cross Summit Street at the intersection of Cincinnati and Summit to allow for access to the Jamie Farr Park and existing trails.

This will also allow for the trail to continue

on the southern portion of Summit Street to the I-280 Bridge.

The intersection of Summit and Galena

I-280 Bridge to MLK Jr. Bridge 16

The Veteran’s Glass City Skyway has al-

adjacent to Magnolia and will serve as an easy

lowed for unique opportunities for bike/hike trail

access point to Water Street. The north side of

expansion. Currently, existing bike/hike trails

Water Street is also rather undeveloped and is

meander north underneath the Skyway con-

considered a low-traffic area, which makes ide-

necting to the existing Greenbelt Parkway Trail.

al circumstances for the trail.

This trail also allows for trail users to continue

south across the Maumee River to East Toledo

capture views of the picturesque Maumee

and the proposed Marina District.

River and spur redevelopment potential along

From Jamie Farr Park the MRT will

Water Street will allow for trail users to

con-

the northern side of Water Street. The trail will

nect to existing bike/hike paths about 430 feet

just be 300 feet away from the Vistula Busi-

northeast of Ash Street. The existing trail wan-

ness District, allowing for users to visit Toledo’s

ders underneath the I-280 Bridge and stops just

oldest neighborhood.

shy of the former Summit Street YMCA. Approx-

imately 1,500 feet of trail will need to be estab-

along Water Street under the Martin Luther King

lished between Summit and

Jr. Bridge and connect to the existing Down-

Mag-

nolia Streets.

Magnolia Street connects Summit to

Water Street. The land is currently undeveloped

The Maumee River Trail will continue

town River Trail.

MLK Jr. Bridge to Metropark

18

The existing Downtown River Trail is bike/

Parkway Trail to the Civic Center Mall. The

hike accessible until the Owens Corning Cam-

Downtown Bike Trail will roam through the mall

pus. Pedestrians currently enjoy Toledo’s best

until it reaches Jackson St. where it will cross

views of the Maumee River while being sur-

onto the Lucas County Common Pleas Court’s

rounded by all of downtown. The current trail

campus. The trail will continue on the western

connects the Fifth Third Bank building, Hotel,

side of Jackson where it will conform to the

Imagination Station, the proposed Water Street

proposed Paramount Transit Center plan and

Station project, the renovated Promenade Park,

extend until Summit St.

Fort Industry Square, and the Owens Corning

Campus. This portion of the trail is the “main

culates around downtown, which will be

drag” connecting all neighborhoods along

eliminated soon. The existing bus lane contin-

Toledo’s waterfront to the Maumee River and

ues from Jackson Blvd onto Summit and ex-

Downtown.

tends until Jefferson. The Downtown Bike Trail

Currently there is a bus loop that cir-

could utilize the existing bus loop from Jackson

Proposed Greenbelt Parkway Connection

Boulevard until Water St. adjacent to Prome-

The Greenbelt Parkway Trail ends at

bike trail with a width of 12 feet and visible lanes

Cherry Street with no connection into the down-

to oncoming traffic. A highly visible crossing of

town network. The Downtown Bike Trail will

Summit at Water St. will be installed to ensure

extend across Cherry St. and continue onto

pedestrian safety. The Downtown Bike Trail will

Spielbusch Ave. Spielbusch may need to be

allow for potential connecting points to numer-

reconstructed to a two-lane road until it reaches

ous amenities including Levis Square. The trail

Constitution St. This would allow for the Down-

continues along the River until it reaches the

town Bike Trail to connect from the Greenbelt

Maumee River Trail at Monroe St.

nade Park. The

existing bus lane is ideal for a

Greenbelt Connection

20

Greenbelt Parkway is a major road con-

ed soon. The existing bus lane continues from

necting downtown to I-280. The road is very

Jackson Boulevard onto Summit and extends

wide and has a lot of right-of-way space on

until Jefferson Street. The Greenbelt Connec-

either side. For this reason there is an existing

tion could utilize the existing bus loop from

bike/hike trail on the northern side that ends at

Jackson Boulevard until Water Street adjacent

Cherry Street.

to the newly renovated Promenade Park. The

A major goal of the Maumee River Trail is

existing bus lane is ideal for a bike/hike trail with

to increase connectivity throughout the neigh-

a width of 12 feet and visible lanes to oncoming

borhoods. The Greenbelt Connection is a bike/

traffic.

hike trail that will connect the existing trail

along the Greenbelt to the proposed MRT in

mit at Water Street will be installed to ensure

Promenade Park.

pedestrian safety.

On the western side of Cherry Street

A highly visible crossing of Sum-

The trail continues down Water Street

there is approximately 30 feet of right-of-way

in Promenade Park where it will connect to the

between the sidewalk and the existing build-

Maumee River Trail.

ing, making it ideal for the Greenbelt Connection. This proposed connection will reach down Cherry Street until Superior Street where it will cross into downtown. The stretch of Superior from Jackson to Cherry Street is a four-lane road, which will have to be reconfigured to a two-lane street allowing for more right-of-way for a 6-8 foot bike/hike trail to be built.

The trail connects to Jackson Street

because of the proposed Paramount Transit Center and reformation of Jackson Boulevard to a street. The Greenbelt Connection will dovetail with the Paramount Transit Center’s plan for Jackson Street, allowing the connection to safely connect to Summit Street.

Currently there is a bus loop that circu-

lates around downtown, which will be eliminat-

Metropark to Broadway

22

The existing Owens Corning trail ends

at the High Level Bridge. The Toledo Area Metroparks are planning a new park called the Middlegrounds Metropark in Downtown Toledo.

This new River park will connect the existing trail to the Port of Toledo through a multi-purpose trail adjacent to the Maumee River.

The Maumee River Trail will connect to

the Middlegrounds Metropark multi-purpose trails. The trail will then exit the metropark and continue down river.

South of the Metropark a rail crossing,

which must be appropriately signed and permission to cross must be obtained from the railroad.

A pedestrian bridge over the Norfolk Southern

shops.

Railroad could mitigate this potential problem.

The trail will then follow the tracks north-

city limits that has potential for great things with

east until it reaches Garland Avenue. There

the mix of existing structures and open space

is

currently enough right-of-way adjacent to

availvable for construction. Transforming Broad-

Garland Avenue to construct a bike/hike trail

way into a complete street positions this neigh-

as long as proposed no proposed

borhood for more attractive uses.

on-street

This road is a key urban village within

parking changes are made to the northern side.

This would be the City of Toledo’s first

Garland Avenue was chosen as a connect-

complete street and would set an example to

ing point to Broadway because of its proximity

other urban villages in the city as a way to bring

to open space and right-of-way on its northern

people into their business districts.

side.

Broadway is a four-lane stretch of road

that has a width of approximately 53 feet.

Why Broadway?

Reducing this arterial to two-lanes and allowing

Broadway is considered a main arterial

for the Maumee River Trail on the southeast side

into the downtown area. In its prime, Broadway

of the road and bump out parking on the north-

was a bustling neighborhood with an amuse-

west would create a more intimate environment

ment park, zoo, and business district. Broadway

for pedestrians and put all of the ingredients into

is positioned for redevelopment and beginning

the neighborhood for redevelopment.

to foster its ethnic heritage through murals and

Broadway to Danny Thomas

24

The Maumee River Trail will extend along Broad-

way Street, allowing trail users to encounter amenities such as: Queen of Apostles School, Immaculate

Con-

ception Church, Sofia Quintero Art & Cultural Center, Westfield Elementary, Vision Ministries, South Branch Library, Newbury Elementary School, and Danny Thomas Park. Broadway eventually narrows into a twolane street when it reaches Colburn Street. Although the road then becomes a two-lane road, the street still maintains its designation as a broad way with a width of 50 feet. The Maumee River Trail will extend to Danny Thomas Park where it will connect users to a resting place and playground. But the journey does not end there; users will have the option to continue under the viaduct to continue their adventure along the trail.

River

Broadway to Danny Thomas

26

Danny Thomas to Walbridge

28

Danny Thomas Park acts as an attrac-

Maumee River Trail to safely travel to the Toledo

tion for trail users who want to watch a base-

Zoo for the day. This remarkable connection by

ball game or have some fun on the playground;

the Maumee River Trail will surely change the

however, the park does not offer lustrous views

dynamic of Toledoans living close to the trail.

of the Maumee River as Walbridge Park contin-

ues to do for area residents. Trail users will en-

has a share the road designation but improving

joy the short travel distance to Walbridge Park

the designation to an actual trail will increase

from Danny Thomas.

safety and ridership.

Walbridge Park offers more than just

picturesque views of the Maumee River. It also has shelter houses for picnics, a historic gazebo, and trails that wrap around the outer edge of the park.

That being said, none of these attractions

compare to the park’s famous neighbor, the Toledo Zoo. This is by far one of the biggest attractions along the trail. This means that people in Point Place or Downtown Toledo can use the

This portion of Broadway Street already

Walbridge to Glendale Ave.

After enjoying the ride through Walbridge

30

Also, from Harvard Boulevard trail us-

Park or a day at the Toledo Zoo trail users can

ers can head north along the existing trail that

continue their ride into the Harvard Terrace.

connects to the Toledo Zoo.This area is going

The trail will circle the roundabout and continue

to be an extremely safe area for trail users with

down the roughly 90 foot wide median which

signage and proper lighting.

ends at the Anthony Wayne Trail.

Then users will have the option to cross

the A.W. Trail into Woodsdale Park or continue south down the MRT to Glendale Avenue. Along the southwest portion of the A.W. Trail there is about 80 feet of right-of-way, which will allow for the continuation of the Maumee River Trail until the Harvard Business District.

Neighorhood favorites such as Lickety

Split Ice Cream and Wixey Bakery will be connected to this larger picture called the Maumee River Trail.

Glendale to Westside Corridor 32

The trail could continue south on the

It will also allow the northern connection

southeastern side of the A.W. Trail until it reach-

to the University of Toledo Medical Center and

es

Main Campus to the Maumee River Trail and the

Sherwood Avenue. The trail would then

continue west on Sherwood, crossing S. Detroit at

University/Parks Trail.

the north end of the Bowsher H.S. athletic fields.

Metropark can be made via the Westside Trail in

By following the edge of the woods, the

A potential connection to the Swan Creek

MRT would meet the Westside Trail just north of

future stages.

Glanzman Road.

pand across the Maumee River into Rossford and

Studen from Beverly Elementary, which

To the south, the Westside Trail will

ex-

sits on the same property as the athletlics field,

Wood County.

would use both trails as a means for transporta-

tion.

Westside and Maumee River Trails will be the link-

By using Sherwood Avenue to con-

nect to the Westside Trail, the Beverly Place Business Harvard

District and

would

Broadway

be

connected

Business

to

Districts,

creating greater connectivity between the South Toledo Neighborhoods.

This profound connection between the

age that sets Toledo and the metropolitan area as one top cyclist areas in the United States.

The Westside Corridor

The Westside Corridor Trail is an 11.6

34

neighborhoods in Lucas and Wood Counties.

mile multi-purpose trail that will connect North

Toledo to Rossford via public land that previ-

have successfully created greater connectivity

ously belonged to CSX Railroad. Ultimately the

between its neighborhoods, Wood County, and

trail will connect neighborhoods in Lucas and

the Maumee River.

Wood Counties.

It will enhance recreational opportunities

tainability are at the forefront of agendas, the

and improve the quality of life. It will connect key

demand for these types of recreational oppor-

educational facilities including the University of

tunities are making their case to elected offi-

Toledo, making Toledo more of the University

cials.

City it strives to be. The Westside Corridor will

also connect to the University/Parks Trail that is

because of out of the box ideas like the

heavily used by students and residents.

Maumee River and Westside Trails. It is time for

The goal of the Maumee River Trail is to

Toledo to reclaim its ties to the Maumee River

better connect Toledoans to the Maumee River.

and connect its greatest assets to one another.

The goal of the Westside Corridor is to connect

By connecting these two trails Toledo will

In an age where accessibility and sus-

Toledo is on the brink of resurgence

Bike Share

36

Currently, B-cycle has a competition

Why Toledo?

help from area organization like Toledo Bikes,

A Solution

Toledo is a unique city on the verge or

Toledo Area Bicyclist, and Toledo Metropoli-

Bike shares are places for people to rent

called Who Wants It More, which allows people

resurgence. This renaissance that is revitalizing

tan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG).

a bike for a certain period of time. This is a great

to go on and type in their zip code in order to

the Glass City is inflating Toledo pride and de-

TMACOG hosts its annual Bike Month that aims

alternative to buying a bike and allows for peo-

vote for their city to have a B-cycle program.

mand for innovation. The Toledo experience is

at increasing bike awareness and safety in the

ple to gain awareness about where trails lead at

Toledo currently is ranked number one with

packed full with quality assets like the Toledo

metropolitan area. All of these organizations

each drop-off location.

over 455,000 votes. The Glass City is closely

Zoo, Imagination Station, and Toledo Museum

and shop owners are working together to foster

followed by Oregon at number 2 and Perrys-

of Art.

the demand and promote this sustainable rec-

B-cycle, that specialize in the bike share pro-

burg at 14.

reational activity for people of all generations.

gram around the United States. They set up sta-

tions at multiple high traffic locations throughout

in the Toledo Metropolitan Area for such a pro-

an automobile. Residents must travel to one of

A Problem

the city. According to their website, all custom-

gram. Local leaders and Toledoans cannot ig-

ers have to do is “ swipe your card, grab a bike,

nore the need and should take advantage of

the eleven metroparks in order to enjoy their bi-

and get to where you are going.”

this opportunity by attracting bike share pro-

cycle in a safe environment.

quent need for a bicycle doesn’t always justify

Toledoans are devoted to preserving

purchasing it. Many people like bicycles for a

these community assets, which is why these

short ride during the weather friendly months of

Proposed Bike Share Locations:

levies almost never fail. People understand

the year and cannot afford to pay a high price

Cullen Park - I-280 Bridge - Marina District - Front St. Business District - International Park - Para-

the importance of preserving what they enjoy

for a short amount of usage.

mount Transit Center - Promenade Park - Middlegrounds Metropark - Walbridge Park - Garland &

Unfortunately, these assets are distant

from one another with no connection besides

the most. One of the greatest disadvantages of these assets is their location to one another without any linkages.

The Maumee River Trail will connect a

handful of these amenities through an actual trail completing the Toledo experience. This city has never been more ready to create a better connection to its greatest destinations and to improving its quality of life along the way.

Why Now?

There is a growing bike owner popula-

tion in the metropolitan area. There are numerous bike shops opening up around town with

Bikes can be expensive, and the infre-

There are several organizations, such as

This shows that there is a huge demand

grams like B-cycle to the Glass City.

Broadway St. - Beverly Business District

Key Programs for Success

38

Next Steps

Safe Routes to Schools

This project would add significantly to

Trail will become a high priority for all the

our general quality of life, encourage a more

school in multiple modes of transportation.

governmental entities and that working togeth-

healthy citizenry, and help to make our commu-

Elementary schools are often located in neigh-

er, through TMACOG, our communities will be

nities more attractive to young and old alike.

borhoods, making each student’s route dif-

able to acquire the necessary federal transpor-

ferent from the next. Some of these routes in-

tation enhancement dollars to implement this

volve crossing busy roads that are unfriendly to

concept.

Children

arrive

and

depart

Complete Streets

pedestrians, posing safety issues for young

students.

proposal of building sustainable streets that

work well for pedestrians, cyclists, and cars.

is working to build safe routes for children to get

The main goal is to improve the safety and ac-

to school. This allows for children to be healthi-

cessibility for all forms of commuters.

er, safer, and realize that there is more than one

Cities are beginning to change their

way to get to school. This also decreases the

car-oriented transportation planning strategies

congestion between buses, cars, and pedestri-

and look for alternative ways to commute that

ans during pick-up and drop-off times.

increase health, foster safety, and develop

connectivity among neighborhoods.

with the Safe Routes to School philosophy and

The complete streets concept aims to

design in mind. The MRT connects numerous

change the decision-making process so that all

schools to one another and to the neighbor-

users are considered during the planning and

hoods they serve. It was planned to accommo-

design phases of projects.

date students and their parents as a safe route

to school and nearby recreational facilities.

In order to be constructed, the Maumee

from

The push for this concept came from the

Our hope is that the Maumee River

A program called Safe Routes to School

The Maumee River Trail was planned

River Trail requires that some streets adopt the complete streets design. This requires cooperation among multiple entities in order to effectively plan a successful complete street.

MAUMEE RIVER TRAIL