The Portage Park District’s recent expansion of Headwaters Trail isn’t the end of the line.
Headwaters Trail now connects Garrettsville, Mantua Village and Mantua Township up to Chamberlain Road, where it meets the 2.8-mile Aurora Trail.
Aurora has plans.
The city just completed a feasibility study for Phase 2 of Aurora Trail, which would extend north from 82 to Route 306. And they’re considering a third phase which would run northwest from Route 306 to Treat Road.
Aurora Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin characterized Phase 2 as complicated and expensive because it has to cross Route 306, and the hilly topography presents challenges. Installation wouldn’t come until 2028 at the earliest, she said.
Also presenting challenges is Phase 3, which would impact several residential areas along the right of way. That being the case, city leaders may consider alternative route options, Womer Benjamin said.
Aurora Trail runs along the former Norfolk Southern Railroad right-of-way. First Energy owns it, but Aurora enjoys a recreational easement that allows the trail to proceed. Aurora owns the corridor that stretches north of Treat Road to the Bainbridge Township Line, where Solon takes over.
Regardless of planned expansions, a gap between Mennonite and Diagonal roads in Mantua Township still exists. Portage Park District favors connecting the trails along the former Erie Lackawanna Railroad corridor, but that route would involve buying privately held properties. Since two of the property owners don’t want to sell, the trails remain separated.
The Portage Park District currently has no plans to connect the two trail ends but is exploring options, said Jennifer White, a spokeswoman for the district.
Wendy DiAlesandro
Wendy DiAlesandro is a former Record Publishing Co. reporter and contributing writer for The Portager.