RICHLAND COUNTY — The Richland County Park District is celebrating two milestones this year: its 60th anniversary and the 30th anniversary of the Richland B&O Trail.

A weeklong celebration begins Sunday, featuring community events, outdoor activities and a gathering on Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Festivities for the 30th anniversary celebration will include food, commemorative items, a raffle and more.

“The 30-year anniversary of the Richland B&O Bike Trail is a wonderful opportunity for reflection—remembering what we have been through, appreciating what we are grateful for and looking forward to what lies ahead,” said Steve McKee, former director of the Richland County Park District.

McKee noted the trail was nearly a decade in the making and credited the combined efforts of local leaders and agencies for its success.

“It was a joint effort with the Richland County Park District, the Park Board—especially the late R.G. Beer—Richland County Regional Planning—especially the late Ron Laughery—the Richland County Prosecutor’s Office, especially Jim DeWeese—and our state representative at the time, the late Frank Sawyer,” he said.

Trail stops and events

As part of the anniversary celebration, stops are scheduled along the trail throughout the day on Oct. 4:

  • Mansfield: North Lake Park, 268 Hope Road, at 9 a.m.
  • Lexington: Lexington Depot, 67 E. Main St., at 11 a.m.
  • Bellville: Bellville Depot, 24 Bell St., at 1 p.m.
  • Butler: Hitchman Park, 21 W. Elm St., at 3 p.m.

Other activities planned during the week include “10 Million Steps on the B&O Trail,” Animal Feeding Day, Oaks and Acorns, an Arboretum tree planting and Rails on Rails Birding.

A trail with history — and a future

Stretching from North Lake Park in Mansfield to the quiet charm of Butler, the Richland B&O Trail covers 18 miles and follows the path of a historic railway. The trail links four Richland County communities and offers some of the area’s most scenic views.

The city of Mansfield has been working on expanding access to the trail.

A 1.1 mile multi-use path connecting the B&O Trail to Trimble Road is nearing completion, as is a new 3,300 concrete path on the south side of Millsboro Road between Trimble Road and Marion Avenue.

(Photo of celebrations provided by the Richland County Park District.)

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