Phase 5 is nearing completion and when it is finished we will have an unbroken ribbon of Greenway for four miles from Willow Street and all the way north to Mohawk Drive. It will complete this generation of the Greenway which began a decade ago.
This phase will have some unique features, including the fact that it will be the longest of the five phases constructed. At slightly more than one mile, this phase incorporates the Tinsley Park trail, the first time an existing trail has become part of the Greenway. Tinsley has been a popular walking trail since the park was founded more than 20 years ago. Like the Greenway, the trail runs beside Mouse Creek, but has always had a natural surface, not lending itself easily to anything except casual walking. When the trail is paved later this year, it will allow more users than ever.
Two major rainstorms earlier this year slowed progress on Phase 5, but it is now on the fast track. The passage under Raider Drive is complete and several hundred feet of concrete were poured last week, taking the Greenway extension to a new crossover of Mouse Creek behind Benny Monroe Stadium at Cleveland High.
A media event took place last week as a pedestrian bridge was lowered on Nov. 3. A large crane was required to lift the single span bridge — which matches three other bridges on the Greenway — onto two abutments forming the link over Mouse Creek. Many people came to see the event take place, a high-water event for this phase.
Another exciting development of this phase is how it will open up more ways to access the Greenway. Neighborhood connections are vital and when this phase is finished there will be a new connection for the residents of Northwood subdivision. In addition, a connecting sidewalk is being poured behind a shopping plaza on Keith Street to allow anyone to park vehicles and access this new section of the Greenway.
Here’s another exciting bit of information: with this construction, the portion which runs through Tinsley Park, as well as the entire Phase 5, will be lighted! Because of a favorable quote from the Phase 5 contractor, Caldwell Paving, there were enough funds remaining to install conduit and order light poles to allow for safe nighttime use of the Greenway. The lighting will extend from Raider Drive all the way to the pedestrian bridge behind the Tinsley Park ball fields.
Finally, although not directly a part of Phase 5 but because of it, the playground and restroom at Tinsley Park will be completely renovated by next spring.
Our community has a lot to look forward to in the next few weeks as Phase 5 of the Greenway reaches the finish line!
