Why I Support the Ohio River Trail: Don Mills

For the 30 plus years I used biking as cross training for racquet sports. Street biking seemed a little bit too hazardous, so I started using the Little Miami Scenic Trail.

Being a long time resident of Terrace Park, I was embarrassed by the community's blockage of the continuation of the LMST through "The Park". Upon my retirement in 1999 I undertook to facilitate the extension of the LMST through "The Park".

Subsequently I became involved with the Ohio River Way and its goal to extend recreational trails 25 miles east and west of Cincinnati along the Ohio River. In order to accomplish the aforementioned goal it was first necessary to connect the LMST to downtown Cincinnati, then New Richmond, then to Lawrenceburg and finally to Maysville.

It became apparent that the proposed trail next to the Ohio River was not realistic is my lifetime and an alternate route seemed a more likely solution - the dormant Oasis railroad line. After many hours of talking and walking with various government officials The Ohio River Way became convinced that this was the best solution for the good of Cincinnati. Thus the Ohio River Trail plan we know today was born.

Please support The Ohio River Trail.

-- Don Mills

Ohio River Trail – The Perfect Accessory for the Object of My Affection

Usually it happens during those crisp fall mornings, when the sun-soaked tops of Cincinnati’s skyscrapers and hills start emerging from a fogged in Ohio River valley. My longtime love affair with the Queen City of the West is renewed, and after 20 years as a transplanted citizen, I remember what attracted me to this world-class beauty in the first place.

If only the object of my affection would get over its inferiority complex. I recall the day when my heart was broken – yet again – hearing an economic development expert describe Cincinnati as “a really great dog that just won’t wag its own tail.” 

So busy trying to reinvent itself all the time, and wondering what kind of city it wants to be, Cincinnati doesn’t spend enough time embracing what it already is.

Look in the mirror, my beloved, I beg of you. Instead of an extreme makeover, you just need to accessorize a bit more thoughtfully. Why not try on a beefed up transit system, or dedicate your self to enhancing outdoor recreation and green space? Tossed in with just a little imagination, much lesser places have transformed themselves into great communities with such ideas.

That’s why I support the Ohio River Trail, and other projects like it in our region. They celebrate and use what’s already here in abundance – a unique, historic community nestled amid scenic river valleys, and seasoned with interesting architecture, distinct neighborhoods, a strong arts community, and great people.

The big extreme makeover plans come, they go, and our city is still pretty much the same wonderful place. The Ohio River Trail is a simple idea with a potentially big payoff – one of those real life “build it and they will come” propositions.

The trail will connect neighborhoods, people and possibilities. It will improve our quality of life. People from here and elsewhere will be able to see our city and river valley from a whole new perspective. The trail will encourage individuals and families to get out, explore and be more active. Numerous case studies point to how greenway trails lead to healthier citizens and stimulate economic activity and private investment.

As a long time cyclist who does most of my riding on the roads, I’m often approached by people who say they would love to start bicycling, either individually or with their families. The hurdle is they’re uncomfortable riding – or at least getting started – on often-busy roadways, especially with the kids in tow.

The Ohio River Trail – and the regional trail network it hopefully will connect to one day – will encourage more people to get started by providing a safe, inviting riding environment. It will attract current residents, new residents, tourists and even businesses looking for world-class cities that offer high-quality-of-life amenities that appeal to young professionals.

When I moved here, it was because I picked Greater Cincinnati, not the other way around. I was taken by its natural beauty, old historic neighborhoods and proximity to my Hoosier roots. It’s why I support the Ohio River Trail, and would like you to as well.

 -- Nick Miller