The CROWN nears funding goal; partners with local breweries along 34-mile urban loop
CINCINNATI (WKRC) - Parts of a 34-mile urban bike trail are under construction in several areas of Cincinnati A local organization helping to fund it is nearing a major goal, and recently partnered with breweries to help.
Director of Tri-State Trails Wade Johnston said the vision is to connect dozens of communities to destinations around the city.
“What this project is going to do is create the sizzle that Cincinnati needs to stand out,” he said.
The CROWN, or Cincinnati Riding or Walking Network, is working hard to piece it all together.
Johnston said the 34-mile urban loop will weave together major trails and developments.
“The Little Miami Scenic Trail, the Wasson Way Trail, the Ohio River Trail, and the Mill Creek Greenway,” Johnston said.
The Beechmont Bridge Connector is one example of a major project currently under construction. It'll safely link the Little Miami Scenic Trail to the Ohio River Trail.
“Every little piece that gets built is a success. It’s a pretty term long-term project. It’s built a mile at a time,” Johnston added.
17 of the 34 miles are finished.
The CROWN gets federal funding, but is responsible for raising some of its own money.
“We are raising $8 million. All together, it's going to be a pot of $50 million” said Johnston.
The CROWN recently hit a major milestone by securing 6 million of the $8 million. When the loop is finished, several breweries will be along its path.
Founder of Big Ash Brewing Dave Emery said it'll be built on the edge of his parking lot.
“The whole craft brewery scene is about community, collaboration, and activity -- people getting out and doing things,” Emery said.
A project called Ales for Trails launched in July to benefit The CROWN.
"It’s essentially a passport program. You go and visit each of the seven breweries during the month of July and get a hop card, which is our passport document," said Emery.
A couple hundred people took part in the event, sparking the beginning of a future for businesses along the path.
“Being plugged into that is just fantastic,” Emery said.
The CROWN hopes to have 24 miles of the loop finished in five years.
