CUTTING THE RIBBON … Mayor Steve Yagelski holds the ribbon for State Representative Jim Hoops for the dedication ceremony for the Iron Horse River Trail with all the dignitaries from the chamber, council, and park board.
By: India Kenner
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
india@thevillagereporter.com
On October 26th at 3 pm in Founders Park in Montpelier Ohio, the community and local and state elected officials celebrated the dedication and ribbon cutting of the long-anticipated Iron Horse River Trail and Founders Park.
The initial draft for this trial project was made in 2016 and then updated in 2017. The public hearing was in November 2017.
The plan was presented to the council and committees in 2018 and 2019. ODNR review in 2019 and ODOT approval PDG phase 1 Final plan presented December of 2020 and finally the Trail dedication in October 2024.
Montpelier residents young and old listened intently to the speeches given by Mayor Steve Yagelski and the Montpelier Chamber of Commerce.
United States Representative Marcy Kaptur presented the Village of Montpelier with a new flag to fly at Founders Park and expressed the importance of maintaining the natural beauty of the Village and how important it is to respect the environment and for the younger generations to continue to plant trees and these additions to Montpelier would attract people to the area.
After the ribbon cutting for Founders Park, the crowds headed down to the Iron Horse River Trail Entrance for that ribbon cutting ceremony the public was welcomed to walk either the accessible trail (which is paved) or the rustic trail for the more adventurous.
The trail features two bike repair stations, four scenic overlooks, three entrances and parking, and a wayfinding kiosk back at Founders Park.
After the ribbon cutting and dedications, the public was welcomed to attend a Halloween party at Founders Park with a costume contest, prizes, goodie bags for the kids, and complimentary cookies and apple cider.
Special thanks was given to those who helped make the successful completion of these historic projects including: the Mayor, Montpelier Village Council members, Montpelier Park Board and Park staff, Village Administration, Senator Rob McColley, Representative Jim Hoops, and Village of Montpelier police and fire departments, Montpelier Area Foundation and Chamber of Commerce, Montpelier Rotary and Civic League the Boy Scouts, AM Legion Post 109 and VFW Post 944, and the many volunteers.