CINCINNATI - A project the community has been working on for years finally sprung to life Saturday.
With the snip of a red ribbon, folks cheered as the first phase of the Wasson Way Trail opened.
“It's just a small phase, but it's cool to see what the future will bring for the Wasson Way," said Daniel Stagge of Norwood.
“We've been watching them clean it up, put the street signs up for it," said Katty Hapner of Hyde Park.
When it's completed, Wasson Way will be a 7.6-mile mixed-use trail that will go from Avondale, pass through 10 neighborhoods and connect to the Little Miami Bike Trail.
SEE the entire path and timeline for finishing it.
“It's really exciting to see how many people are here today and to see this come to fruition,” said co-founder Julie Andress.
City Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld and Mayor Cranley said the benefits of the trail will go far beyond recreation.
“This is going to be catalytic for the entire city,” said Sittenfeld.
“This is about economic development. It's about livability. It's about walkability,” said Cranley.
Cranley said the trail will connect to Xavier University next year and to Ault Park by 2021.
“This could become an actual gateway to and from work in addition to the recreational benefit it will provide," Cranley said.
Hapner, who lives near the trail, couldn't be more excited.
“We walk the neighborhood all the time so it's kind of nice to be off the street," Hapner said.
