Paulding Soil & Water Conservation District, and Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce, along with the Paulding County Commissioners, are excited to announce that $107,500 has been awarded for recreational trail development in the Paulding County community.

The office of Ohio 82nd House District Rep. Roy Klopfenstein, R-Haviland, issued a press release Tuesday communicating that he and his office helped secure funding through Ohio Senate Bill 54 (SB 54), signed Thursday by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, for the community enhancement project.

Both Paulding Soil and Water Conservation District and the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce have worked tirelessly for the last year and a half to make this project a reality. “It is exciting to be able to bring these improvements to our community and I look forward to the day when people can enjoy using the trails,” says Education Specialist, Anna Gurney.

The Paulding Trail Project will work to address many needs of Paulding County including safety, health, economic growth, and recreation. Connecting the two parks with a walking path that will serve as an inclusive pathway will allow everyone safe access to activity centers and essential services. The project will also offer residents outdoor recreation, leisure, and fitness opportunities for everyone. “We are thankful that we can be a part of making the Paulding County Trails Project come of fruition. Quality of life is important to all of us and it is nice to see this project being done,” states Klopfenstein.

Phase 1 of the Paulding County Trails Project will connect the Black Swamp Nature Center and Lela McGuire-Jeffery Park on the west side of the Village of Paulding. The mission of this initiative is to redefine mobility, recreation, health, and accessibility in Paulding County. Recreational trails connect residents to a safer, healthier, and more vibrant way of life.

The first phase of the project is now completely funded. Trail construction is slated to begin in 2027.