ZANESVILLE — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine joined leaders from the city of Zanesville, Muskingum Valley Park District, Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources on May 1 to break ground on a new walking and biking trail along the banks of the Muskingum River. 

The new Canal Park Trail begins at East Main Street in Zanesville. It proceeds along the riverfront through Muskingum River State Park and ends at the historic Lock and Dam #10.

The trail features benches, picnic tables, an ADA accessible kayak launch, a deck overlooking the river, and an amphitheater for public events. Local partners hope to eventually connect the Canal Park Trail to other local trails, creating a continuous paved recreational trail from South Zanesville to Dresden. 

A $1.1 million grant from DeWine’s Wonderful Waterfronts initiative funds the project. The initiative is part of the larger Appalachian Community Grant Program that is investing $500 million into Ohio’s Appalachian region.

“Our administration has always felt a strong commitment to help Ohio’s Appalachian communities thrive, and the projects we’re supporting are truly transforming this region,” DeWine said. “The ultimate goal is to attract more people to Appalachia Ohio not only to visit but also to live, work, and raise their families.”

In addition to the Wonderful Waterfronts initiative, the Appalachian Community Grant Program includes the Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative, which has launched school-based health clinics throughout the region.

It also includes the Appalachian Downtowns and Destinations Initiative, which is focused on raising the region’s profile by revitalizing historic downtown districts, creating new opportunities for recreation, and amplifying the experience for those visiting the region’s cultural sites. 

Appalachian Community grant projects are underway or complete in all 32 of Ohio’s Appalachian counties.