Akron, Ohio (March 12, 2024): Communities in Summit County are eligible for grant funds for trail projects identified on the Summit County Trails Plan through the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition's annual Summit County Trails & Greenways grant program. Funding for the program is made possible through the leadership of Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro and Summit County Council. 

The application for the 2024 grant cycle is now available on the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition website. Applications must be emailed or postmarked by Friday, May 10, 2024 to be considered. Applications can be emailed to Program Coordinator George Ebey at gebey@ohioeriecanal.org or mailed to: Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition Attn: Summit County Trails & Greenways, 47 W. Exchange Street, Akron, Ohio 44308. 

The Summit County Trails Plan identifies trails in Summit County and their connections to the popular Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, the Summit Metro Parks Bike & Hike Trail, and other regional and local trail networks. The communities of Summit County are very fortunate to have the vision and leadership demonstrated by Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro and Summit County Council for trail projects related to economic development and quality of life for residents. Past projects funded by this grant include Summit Metro Parks' water trails signage; Bath Township's North Fork Preserve of Bath entry sign and kiosk; the City of Cuyahoga Falls' Swain Maple Sugaring Trail, and the City of Barberton's stormwater and Towpath Trail amenities study. 

Since 2001, the Summit County Executive and Summit County Council have supported this popular trail plan by dedicating funds toward projects identified on the Summit County Trail Plan. For every $1 of Summit County funds, an additional $12 is leveraged in federal, state and local investment.

Please contact Program Coordinator George Ebey at (330) 374-5657 or gebey@ohioeriecanal.org for any questions regarding the grant process.