New wildlife observation deck planned for bike trial

By Jane Beathard

Staff Writer

The City of London and Friends of Madison County Parks & Trails are partnering to build a new wildlife observation deck on the Roberts-Pass Bike Trail.

On Monday, the city applied for a Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Grant to build the deck on a wetland, located east of the Maple Street trail head. The friends group will supply 26 percent in matching funds and in-kind services.

Safety-services director Steve Hume stressed no city money is involved in the project, which is expected to cost about $137,000.

City council approved the application at Thursday’s meeting.

Council members also endorsed efforts by Madison County commissioners to obtain a Clean Ohio Green Space Grant to construct a paved parking lot at the Little Darby Creek Preserve in Monroe Township.

The Ohio Public Works Commission administers the green space grant program, funded by the $400 million Clean Ohio bond issue. State voters approved the issue in 2000.

Green space grants aim to protect habitat for rare, threatened or endangered species and preserve high-quality wetlands. They also enhance eco-tourism and economic development along pedestrian or bicycle trails, according to the Clean Ohio website.