The Bluffton Lions Foundation, Inc. received a one-year matching grant totaling $61,600 from the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation to expand the greater Bluffton bike and pedestrian pathway system in the Hancock County portion of Bluffton.

The announcement was made at the March 14 Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast.

Dick Ramseyer, President of the Bluffton Lions Foundation & Chair of the Bluffton Pathway Board, said, “The primary goal of this project is to enhance public safety and recreation by extending the Bluffton pathway system from its current eastern terminus along a scenic abandoned railroad spur to Bluffton’s Commerce Lane business district located in Hancock County and near the I-75 interchange.”

In addition to the immediate benefits for public safety, appearance and quality of life, the project will benefit residents of the Bluffton-Findlay-Hancock County area by adding to the destinations and opportunities for recreational biking.

The Bluffton pathways master plan, that was formalized in 2009 when the Lions Foundation partnered with the Village of Bluffton through the Bluffton Pathway Board, identified two top priority projects due to the potential to greatly improve public safety on heavily trafficked routes that lack sidewalks: a west side connection along Augsburger Road to growing residential areas and retirement communities, and an east side connection that would link Main Street, the Village Park and the Commerce Lane business district near the I-75 exchange.

The Village of Bluffton’s Pathway Board has already secured a $260,000 commitment from the Ohio Transportation (ODOT) for the west side connection along Augsburger Road which covers 80% of the projected construction cost plus a 20% local match commitment from the Bluffton Lions Foundation. The project is scheduled by the ODOT for construction to begin as early as July 2016.

The Community Foundation is providing grant funding to partially support the completion of the east side connection, a .6-mile, 8-foot wide asphalt pathway along the abandoned Norfolk and Southern railroad spur that will link the heart of the Village to the high traffic business district near the I-75 interchange.

Expected to be completed in October 2014, the bike and pedestrian pathway will provide a safe, scenic and appealing route for residents and visitors and greatly enhance the quality of the greater Bluffton area located in Hancock County. This area includes a variety of retail and hospitality businesses whose customers and employees will benefit from the addition of safe and appealing bike and pedestrian access.

According to Ramseyer, there are many benefits of trails and greenways. “Trails and greenways make our communities more livable, improve the economy through tourism and civic improvement, preserve and restore open space, and provide opportunities for physical activity to improve fitness and mental health. Bike and pedestrian paths provide important transportation options, economic development opportunities and recreational outlets and are also critical transportation links to residences, businesses, schools, dining and other daily destinations.”

The $61,600 grant was approved at the Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees meeting on February 20, 2014. The grant was one of five competitive grants approved at the board meeting, totaling $161,200.

About The Bluffton Lions Foundation, Inc.
The Bluffton Lions Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization established in 2009 with the mission to address community needs and enhanced quality of life in the greater Bluffton area. The foundation typically fundraises and distributes $15,000-$20,000 annually to support community improvement and welfare projects. It is supported by a core of volunteers including an 85-member Lions Club.

About The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation
The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation will improve the quality of life in Hancock County through collaborative leadership, responsible grantmaking, and the development of philanthropic giving. Established in 1992 as an outgrowth of a one-time gift from L. Dale Dorney, the Community Foundation has granted more than $27 million to fund projects that support our community. Visit www.community-foundation.com or call 419-425-1100 to learn more about how the Community Foundation is helping our community.