The Wasson Way project is a citizen driven effort to transform miles of unused railroad tracks into public walking and bike paths. The Wasson Way would go 6.5 miles (3.5 miles inside Cincinnati and 3.0 miles outside City limits) from Xavier University, through the neighborhoods of Norwood, Evanston, Hyde Park, Mt. Lookout, Madisonville, Fairfax, Mariemont and connect to the Little Miami Bike Trail in Newtown.

This project could deliver value to all of the neighborhoods listed above. The trail would offer safe areas for exercise and provide connectivity to a other municipal trail systems, amplifying their value. From a business development point of view, all you have to do is look at down town Loveland to appreciate the economic impact a bike trail can have on a community.

Municipal trails like these increase the value of the neighborhood because they are a desirable local amenity. Similar to parks, and public pools, municipal trails offer safe recreation options and sometimes commuter options as well.

Other communicates around the country have turned old railroad tracks into municipal trails and reaped the benefits. The Pinellas Trail connects Clearwater to St. Petersburgh in Florida, and has proven to be an invaluable part of the community.

Click the link for more information about the Wasson Way Project and see how you can get involved.