Our Projects
Towpath Trail Extension I
The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Extension I is a 4-mile extension of the Towpath Trail in Tuscarawas County from the Zoarville Station Bridge, past the Dover Dam, to SR-416 near White Bridge. This extension is essential to completing the Towpath Trail through Tuscarawas County. This project is being funded through a $483,000 grant from ODOT, and the Friends are currently fundraising for the 5% local match and construction costs over the grant award.
Bolivar to McDonnell Trailhead Connection
The McDonnell Trailhead to Bolivar project plan will include the construction of 0.25 miles of trail connecting the McDonnell Trailhead near the Stark/Tuscarawas Aqueduct Bridge to the existing Towpath Trail north of Bolivar, OH.
The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition expects this project to be complete Summer 2021.
The Norma Johnson Center
The Norma Johnson Center located outside of Dover, Ohio is a nature area open to the public every day of the year from dawn to dusk. Norma Johnson Center’s 303 acres offer a place of solitude in which to observe wildlife, enjoy birding, view wildflowers or just take a brisk walk.
The Norma Johnson Center is managed by a partnership between the Tuscarawas County Soil & Water District and the Tuscarawas County Commissioners (Park Department).
State Route 416 Bike Lanes
An ODOT grant for over 1.4 million dollars have been secured for a project to create bike lanes along SR-416 from the city of New Philadelphia to the Village of Tuscarawas. ODOT District 11 will have full responsibility for the construction and maintenance of these bike lanes. Projected completion date is June 30, 2021.
East High Avenue Corridor
The East High Avenue Corridor project is a collaboration of businesses, organizations, goverment entities, and educational institutions on the Eastern part of New Philadelphia. While it is in the beginning stages, the planning is progressing rapidly, and there should be a lot of progress in just a few years.
Trenton Heritage Park
This name was selected to celebrate the rich pioneering and canal heritage of the property. Warwick Township and more specifically the area between Trenton (now Village of Tuscarawas) and the Hilton Tract was the scene of some of the earliest white settlement attempts in the Tuscarawas Valley.
Canal Lands Committee
The Tuscarawas County Canal Lands Committee is making improvements to the canal towpath. The earthen surface is appropriate for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. They host an annual fundraiser called the Canal Lands 5k Run & Walk, in partnership with Jon & Cindi Elsasser at the Canal Tavern of Zoar.
Buckhorn Creek Trail
Located just outside of Newcomerstown in Tuscarawas County, the Buckhorn Creek Trail is a near five-mile section of trail built on the site of an old rail line.
Currently, the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition owns and maintains this trail with support from the Tuscarawas County Parks Department and with volunteer assistance provided by the Newcomerstown Rotary and other volunteers.