Olentangy Water Trail in Columbus

In late 2007, the Columbus City Council passed a resolution to designate a Water Trail on the Olentangy River from Kenney Park to the confluence with the Scioto River.  Council Member Priscilla Tyson sponsored the resolution.

The creation of a Water Trail has long been one of FLOW's priorities because it will increase recreational opportunities along the river and allow the residents of Central Ohio to experience the natural beauty and historic sites of the Olentangy. Plans include four to five public access points for canoes and kayaks as well as warning signs and portage trails around hazardous lowhead dams.

In 2008, FLOW received a $1000 grant from the Kodak American Greenways Fund to create informational kiosks at three of the water trail access sites (Broadmeadows Pedestrian Bridge, Northmoor Park , and Tuttle Park).  At the kiosks, paddlers will be able to find boater safety tips, maps of the river, warnings about potential hazards such as lowhead dams, facts about the geology and natural history of the watershed, and information about what they can do to help keep the river clean and safe.  FLOW partnered with the City of Columbus to create the kiosks.

Andrew Hoffman made improvements to the water trail as part of his Eagle Scout service project.  Andrew and his volunteers cleared invasive honeysuckle from access sites and helped to create portage paths around lowhead dams.  They also planted native shrubs at the Tuttle Park Access site.   THANK YOU ANDREW!