COLUMBUS TRAILS AND GREENWAYS
THE BLACKLICK TRAIL
THREE CREEKS, OBETZ, GROVEPORT, REYNOLDSBURG
COLUMBUS TRAILS AND GREENWAYS |
 | The Blacklick Trail is growing rapidly. It currently exists in three unconnected sections. The first, originating in Three Creeks Metropark, goes east and north ending in a turnaround loop east of US 33. The second section runs from Shannon Rd, east of Winchester Pike to separate trail ends in Pickerington Ponds Metropark and Portman Park south of Refugee Rd. The third section is comprised of the multi-use trail in Blacklick Woods Metropark with an extension trail north through Huber and JFK parks. | PARKS THREE CREEKS METROPARK |  |
| TRAIL UPDATES - BLACKLICK |
| CURRENT CONSTRUCTION: 1. BLACKLICK WOODS TO TUSSING RD: New trail section under construction between Blacklick Woods Metropark and Tussing Rd (at the Maintenance entrance to Turnberry Golf Course. Will involve underpasses of I-70 and Tussing Rd. Trail cut and most surfacing prep completed. Underpass of Tussing Rd partially completed. I-70 underpass not yet started. Extensive asphalt paving in Blacklick Woods Metropark on existing gravel trail from the Nature Center parking area along the south side of the multi-use loop to the new trail turn-off. Appears that this will provide access for trail users to parking area and Metro Park roads. First part of connection between Blacklick Woods Metro Park and trail dead-end in Portman Park south of Refugee Rd. SECTION PAGE Recent Photos HERE 2. SHANNON RD TO THREE CREEKS: Planned hookup of two principal existing sections via a trail bridge crossing of US 33 has been delayed until at least 2009. Current project plans include: relocation of Shannon Rd to allow trail to past on north side; underpass of Winchester Pike; completion of trail from stub-section off Ebright and Winchester to US 33; trail bridge over US 33; connection to existing turnaround loop in Three Creeks Metro Park west of US 33. Funding is in place and reengineering is in progress. Complete by 2012. SECTION PAGE(With Bypass Suggestion 3. GROVEPORT CONNECTION: Groveport has recently completed a the Foor Leisure Path from Ebright Rd to the Blacklick Trail near the intersection of Old Bixby Rd and Hamilton. More information here: HERE and map here: http://www.groveportrec.com/pdfs/Foor%20Leisure%20Path%2010-08.pdf |
| FUTURE CONSTRUCTION: 1. Tussing Rd to Portman Park: This will be completed in two parts - Trail along Turnberry Golf Course and Trail across Refugee Rd to Portman Park. First part involves cooperative effort to develop strategy for trail - golf course partnership. May start in 2009. Completion by 2012. SECTION PAGE |
| LONG RANGE PLANS: - Trail extension north to New Albany trail system. |
The Blacklick Trail has come a long way recently. A few years ago, it was just a few miles with a loop coming out of the east side of Three Creeks Metro Park. Now it is approaching the length and reach of long-established trails like the Olentangy and the Alum Creek. It currently consists of three main sections - that stretch in Three Creeks, a long run from Shannon Rd (nr Winchester Pike) to Portman Park and Pickerington Ponds Metro Park, and a section made up of the multi-use trail in Blacklick Woods Metro Park and a section along Livingston and up through Huber and JFK parks to Reynoldsburg. Currently, there are several projects to connect these, some of which are in work now and other set to begin over the next few years.
12/08/2008