Anderson Township embracing trails throughout suburban community

Published June 16, 2009 at 12:00 a.m.
The eastern suburban community of Anderson Township, has seen new investment flowing into its business corridor alongBeechmont Avenue and is exploring other forms of planning outside ofthe typical suburban model.

The community of nearly 44,000,recently opened a transit center near its brand new Anderson Center onFive Mile Road.  The township has also embraced the idea of trailnetworks throughout the suburban community.

It all began whenthe 1993 Anderson Township Transportation Plan and the 1986 SidewalkPlan identified the needs for walkways, bikeways and trails tofacilitate non-vehicular movement and provide ready access to locationssuch as schools, the post office, parks, retail centers, the library,recreational facilities, health centers and public transportation.

Theend goal is to improve the quality of life for those living and workingwithin the community who might be able to benefit from such trails.

Sincethose initial plans identified the needs, the township has constructedover seven miles of trails with another several miles added over recentyears to the Five Mile Trail, Ohio River Trail and various local roadnetworks.

The focus on trail networks is important to thetownship for a variety of reasons.  One of those is the desirabilitythey bring with them.  In a recent survey of 2,000 recent home buyers trails came in second in terms of "importance of community amenities."

Trailswere one of 18 amenities that could have been selected and 36 percentof those surveyed said that walking, jogging or biking trails wereeither "important" or "very important."  The next most importantcommunity amenity was the availability of sidewalks, parks andplaygrounds respectively.

One of the most major trail projects is the Ohio River Trailthat will eventually link those living in eastern Cincinnaticommunities with downtown Cincinnati.  Once complete the trail isenvisioned to offer a bike trail commuting option for those livingnearby and looking to avoid the automobile commute into the centralbusiness district.

Over the next few years township leaders hopeto add several more miles to the Anderson Trails network with thebiggest additions coming along Eight Mile Road, Clough Pike and AsburyRoad as outlined by the 2005 Anderson Trails Plan Update.

Writer: Randy Simes
Source: Anderson Township



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