Public Opinion
Do you think the city should pursue a grant to build a walking trail connecting Riverside Park with the Lock and Dam? Why or why not?

I'm in favor of the walking trail. I think that Columbus needs more facilities such as that.
Chris Brigham, Columbus

Yes, I do think the city should pursue a grant to build a walking trail. Columbus should take advantage of this beautiful river that we live on and do everything they can to enhance it, and get tourists in here and have something for all parts of the family- mothers, dads and children. I think they should look at doing a skates trail or a bike trail as well as a walking trail because the children need a place to do these things.
Flo McCullough, Columbus

Sure, I think the city should pursue a grant to build a walking trail… after we build a new police station, and after we pave Main Street and Highway 45 North in the city, and after we pave short Brown Street.
Bill Roberts, Columbus

No, waste of money.
Charlie Clay, Columbus

We definitely should. It promotes a healthy lifestyle.
George Heagerty, Columbus

No, I do not think they should pursue it. It will be a lost endeavor. Tax dollars will be put away. It will be a crime-ridden area in the short run.
Mike Dunaway, Columbus

We do think that the city should pursue a grant to build the walking trail just because we think it would be a great way for families to get out and get exercise and spend some time together and just enjoy the river. We are very much in favor of it.
Allen and Lisa Kerby, Columbus

Yes, I feel most definitely the city of Columbus should pursue a grant to build a walking trail. I moved here from Chattanooga, Tennessee six years ago, and I lived there during the burst of energy that took place to build not only the walking trail, but to restore the historic Walnut Street Bridge. It became a beautifully, wonderfully, fabulous energized city that had been a very sleepy town. Now all of the focus of Chattanooga seems to be on the river and the wonderful economic boom to that town. All of the businesses that are flourishing along the river today are a product of the restoration of the Walnut Street Bridge and the Riverwalk, and art museums and eating places developed along the path. Chattanooga has been impacted dramatically, and I think Columbus can be dramatically impacted in an economic way, too.
Brenda Caradine, Columbus

I am completely against that waste of public money, whether it comes from local funds or any other source. We are all paying for it, no matter where it comes from. There is no evidence that it is needed. You look at the trail that is already in existence at the Lock and Dam, and see how few people use it. You go to the hospital track, and see how few people use it, though it is fairly well used, and it is a good place to walk. If they were using the one that is propose, it will pose a security problem. There have strong armed robberies at some of the golf courses around here. It seems to be such a remote location of a walking trail would pose an opportunity for more problems of that sort.
Charles Stampley, Columbus

I know they should definitely not pursue it because of the cost and the safety of the people using the park.
Clarence Harper, Columbus

I don't think it's a good idea to build a walking trail to connect Riverside Park and the Lock and Dam. It could very easily be a hangout for muggers and rapists, and considering what has gone on in our city, I doubt that any older citizens would ever use the trail because it would be too isolated and too hidden from view.
Doris Sisson, Columbus

I do not believe the city should build a walking trail. I believe that the taxpayers' money is much more needed in roads and bridges and things of an immediate nature.
Donald Strickland, Columbus

I think it would be an excellent contribution to the community, provide people with an opportunity for safe walking and for the kids to bike. I think it would be a real benefit to the community.
Bobby Douglas, Columbus

I do not think we should do this because Columbus has too many more pressing needs.
Margaret Bast, Columbus