First in a series
Bluffton’s pathway project now in its 11th year, has extended running, walking and biking safety and expanded opportunities for those exercises. The Icon provides this series to bring viewers up-to-date on what the pathway has accomplished and what is yet-to-develop. This series also serves as a reminder the project's benefits all residents.

Background
A Master Plan developed in 2009 through joint funding of the Bluffton Lions and the Village of Bluffton produced a guide for future pathway development.

It provided a vision and long-range planning process to guide engineering and building of the bike-pedestrian paths.

The Master Plan helps seek funding from various sources; but it is clear that local funds will be the backbone of completing the Bluffton Bike and Pedestrian Pathways.

The Bluffton Pathway Board and the Bluffton Lions continue providing leadership and encouragement for Bluffton Pathway development.

Project constructed in 2014
Lions Way Path ­– Extending the Cob Lake Triplett Pathway to the State Route 103 businesses at the intersection of State Route 103 and I-75. The beautiful tree-lined three-quarter mile paved Lions Way was opened and dedicated July 14, 2014.

Project constructed in 2015
Lions Way Trailhead Park ­–The park is constructed off Commerce Lane on a 225-by-60 foot green space bordering the pathway.

Phase one includes placement of a steel picnic shelter, concrete pad, picnic tables, water hydrant, bike racks and landscaping. Future phases include rest rooms, park benches, playground equipment and vehicle parking. The Lions Way Trailhead Park opened and dedicated Sept. 16, 2015.

Project constructed in 2016
Lions Way Augsburger Path – The pathway runs along Bluffton University’s soccer practice field; then into the Nature Preserve woods, exiting near the Preserve driveway; finally, following along Augsburger Road past Riverbend subdivision, the path arrives at Maple Crest Senior Living Village. Construction began in September 2016, with official opening of the pathway at the dedication and ribbon cutting celebration Oct. 31, 2016.

Project constructed 2017
The Lions Way Parkview Path –The pathway entrance is off Kibler Street through the developing Parkview subdivision exiting at Main Street across from the Bluffton Dari Freeze and also Jackson Street. From Kibler Street the asphalt path is 8-foot wide and exits onto Parkview Drive and 6-foot concrete walks.

Pedestrians and bicyclers use the sidewalks and streets. With the addition of the Parkview path, pedestrians and bikers can travel a safer and shorter route to and from the Main Street Dari Freeze, Bluffton University, and Maple Crest. The path opened in September with a dedication and ribbon cutting Sept. 7, 2017.

Project constructed in 2018
Lions Way Bentley Path – The 8-foot wide asphalt path connects to the Augsburger path and runs south along the Bluffton University athletic complex to the bridge over Riley Creek. The bridge could be replaced as early 2022 with a pathway design included. Safety is very important for travelers along Bentley Road between Lions Way Parkview Path and Lions Way Augsburger Path. The path officially opens Oct. 2, 2018, with a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony.

Project construction in 2019
Lions Way Bentley north – This path connects Augsburger and Bluffton University along Bentley Road to Grove Street. Its starting point on the west side of Bentley Augsburger intersection continues north to Riley Creek Village. It opened with a dedication in September 2019.

Project construction in 2020
Lions Way Bentley north extension – The path extends the north Bentley pathway beginning at Riley Creek Village. It crosses Bentley to east side and continues to Riley Street, passing Magnolia Lane. It opened with a dedication on Sept. 14, 2020.

The future
The pathway board's vision is the eventually encircle the village. Watch this series for updates.

Pathway board members
Richard Ramseyer, chair, Laura Voth, secretary, Greg Denecker, John Rich, Dima Snyder, Mitch Kingsley, Dr. Jane Wood and Fred Steiner. Village liaison members: Joe Sehlhorst, Ben Stahl, Jesse Blackburn and Bryan Lloyd.

Lions Club Foundation members
Richard Ramseyer, president, Clair Winebar, Corwin Croy, Dick McGarrity, Ed Yeager, Greg Denecker, Laura Voth, Mitch Kingsley, Patty Navin, Ron Headings, Ryan Lowry.