The public and media are invited to the Grand Opening of the Parma Heights - Big Creek Connector Trail linking Greenbrier Commons to Cleveland Metroparks Big Creek Reservation trail system on Wednesday, October 16 at 1:30 p.m. The Grand Opening ceremony featuring guest speakers Parma Heights Mayor Michael P. Byrne and Brian Zimmerman, CEO Cleveland Metroparks, will be held at the entrance to the trail located behind the N.E.O. Soccer Building in Greenbrier Commons, located at 6184 Pearl Road in Parma Heights.
�This joint project between Cleveland Metroparks and the City of Parma Heights was accomplished through collaborative efforts between the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), the Clean Ohio Trail Fund/Recreational Trails Program, the Cuyahoga County Department of Development, Friends of Big Creek and the West Creek Preservation Committee,� stated Brian Zimmerman, Cleveland Metroparks CEO.
�The connector trail provides a convenient avenue to Big Creek Reservation for our residents while opening Greenbrier Commons at the heart of our city and our business district to the thousands of people who use Big Creek Reservation,� Byrne explained.
The new 1,000-foot-long trail and 116-foot bridge spanning Big Creek can be accessed through the existing all purpose trail in Big Creek Reservation and from two locations in Greenbrier Commons: the City's fitness trail by the entrance to the Cassidy Theater and via the new trailhead behind the N.E.O Soccer facility. Funded entirely by grants, the trail features a unique stabilized aggregate surface composed of recycled brick and concrete. �The connector offers new opportunities for a wide range of activities including hiking, walking, jogging, nature discovery, wildlife observation and nature photography,� added Byrne.
-30-
Cleveland Metroparks - Discover, Enjoy, Protect!
MEDIA CONTACTS:
SUE ALLEN - 216-635-3338, sja@clevelandmetroparks.com -or-
MARJORIE THOMAS - 216-635-3204, met@clevelandmetroparks.com
