Reasons I was invited:
1. I'm on the board for "the towpath committee," as I like to call it.
2. I'm an active user of the parks and I've indicated interest in contributing in some way.
3. I'm an engineer. Parks need engineers to design things like trails, bridges, drainage systems, etc.
Reasons my employer agreed to let me go:
1. Many elected officials were present: mayors of local cities and townships, directors of parks, and even a senator. These people are decision makers for projects my company seeks to obtain. Putting our name in front of them is always good.
2. Networking with decision makers and other interested parties.
3. To learn more about the needs and goals of trail projects, particularly in Summit county.
Reasons I really wanted to go:
1. I love trails! I use them several times a week. In fact I just spent 6 miles running on the towpath this morning!
2. Yeah, and the other reasons listed above too.
I am so glad that my profession ushers me into this tree-hugging, happy life leading community of people! I practiced my network skills (more on this later) and came away with cards (AND intentions to use said business cards) of some high profile people. Of them:
Ivan Kassov of the Cuyahoga Valley National Parks - to get me more involved in the CVNP workings for my personal involvement and this blog. And work. Yes, my company could potentially do work for the CVNP.
Gary Whidden, self-named A Citizen of the Valley - to go on a behind-the-scenes-kayaking trip in Cuyahoga Falls. I can't wait to see the Cuyahoga from this angle. Also, I plan to discuss the removal of the famous Gorge dams from the engineers' perspective.
State Senator Frank LaRose - to give him information about Akron Rugby. It's True! I had absolutely nothing to say to him, except "Thanks for standing up for the Parks in your caucus. We really appreciate it." I almost didn't go up to him because I didn't think that was worthy, but I decided I needed to at least expose myself to a conversation of someone powerful, no matter how small. It's like singing, the more you do it, the less nervous you get. While waiting for my chance to say hello, I overheard him talk about living in Copley. I play rugby in Copley! YES! After I thanked him I said "And since you live in Copley, I wanted to invite you to a rugby game. The mens and womens teams play right behind Carter Lumber." And you probably think he politely thanked me while rolling his eyes inside. But guess what.
HE FREAKING PLAYS RUGBY! His face perked up, he said he would love to come, and then he said "Maybe I could even play!" He quickly gave me his card and asked me to email him the details. That just happened.
Let's get back to the forum. It was an absolutely beautiful day to meet at Goodyear Heights Metropark with the golden sun, Autumn rainbow of trees, and our unseasonably warm weather. I learned a good bit about all the work required to complete a trail from start to finish. It's actually a pretty long process, particularly when the production involves several partners. The general process, as told by the Mayor of Bath township:
1. Write a Mission Statement
2. Form a Committee
3. Hire a Consultant if possible and appropriate
4. Review history and current situation
5. Solicit citizen input
6. Formulate plan
7. Solicit citizen input again
8. Implement plan
8a. Find money
8b. Design
8c. Construction
You would probably guess that stage 8a above is the deal breaker in many cases, but actually, it's step 1. Without a clear vision, projects simply fall apart. It's never because of the money. That's comforting... sorta.
But the big moment of this whole shindig was the unveiling of the New 2012 Summit County Trails Map! The Towpath through Summit County has finally been completed this year and now we're moving on to Phase II. If the towpath is the backbone of our county's trail system, much like the body, we need a means to get to the blood of our county to the spine and send it on it's way. (Play with this map to see what is currently available.) Phase II is all about connecting the width of our county to the towpath. This requires the strength of many organizations working together. I wish I could show you the exciting new plan for all the trails yet to come, but I've been advised to keep it on the downlow. The OECC did promise to publish it before the end of the year, however, after we've received comments and finalized it.
Stay tuned for more information stemming from my new contacts and other Trail goodies! This is an exciting time to live and play in Akron!
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