2016 Ohio Parks Recreation Association
1st Place Winner

CATEGORY: Capital Improvement Project of $1-$2.5 Million
OPRA Award Press Release

The summer of 2015 this new, and only, pedestrian access to Raccoon Valley Park (RVP) created the missing link to providing alternative transportation — something besides vehicular travel — to one of Granville’s prime recreational areas. The Rotary Bridge project constitutes the second phase to providing a critical loop that will link the regional pathway system in the Granville community. The Granville Rotary Bridge, costing $1.15 million, connects Raccoon Valley Park and the T.J. Evans Trail bike path. The bridge is 273 feet long, weighs 767 tons and rises 15 feet from the park to the bike path.

“The Rotary Bridge simply improves the quality of life in our community,” said Andy Wildman, Executive Director of the Granville Recreation District. Granville Rotary Club past President Dr. John Weigand said, “It’s exceeded my expectations. We certainly see people using it, and I’ve gotten positive comments. I think it opens up the park to people who will utilize it. That usage will allow the Granville Recreation District to continue to improve park amenities.”

Funding for the bridge was provided by generous grants from both the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. In addition, other sponsors included the following: Granville Rotary Club, Granville Recreation District, Village of Granville, Denison University, T.J. Evans Foundation, Granville Township, Granville Community Foundation, Licking Memorial Health Foundation and Newark/Heath Rotary Club, as well as private donations.

NEW DESTINATIONS. Which way will yours lead you?