COSHOCTON (Ohio) – A new group has been formed to revitalize the walking trails at the Hilltop Golf Course. It is owned by Lake Park.
Chris Wilson, of Hilltop Trails, stated that the paved paths were dormant for many years and have been covered by natural vegetation overgrowth. He stated that they are looking to create a walking trail system on the hilltop for community enjoyment and exploration.
Volunteers are needed to clear vegetation and mow the site. Wilson stated that he will be working on the site about one to two days per week, with the larger group meeting once a month. Wilson said that they have cleared three-quarters mile to prove their concept to Lake Park board.
This area was previously used to host the Coshocton Indian Mud Run adult obstacle race. A new disc golf course, Eagle Ridge Disc Golf is currently being built on the site. Hilltop Golf Course, a nine-hole golf course, was established in 1918. It closed in 2016.
Wilson estimates that there are approximately seven miles of old cart paths on the site. Wilson first visited the site to assist with disc golf and saw the abandoned paved trails.
“As I walked through the area, it became apparent that they were still there. They were only overgrown. Wilson stated that some are in very poor condition, but he would like to see a better running and walking route, as well as a bike path. This is more difficult than at Lake Park.
Wilson stated that the goal is to create a challenging, but scenic, running and walking path while still using existing paved roads. These paths could be used to train for cross-country teams, running clubs, and host cross-country invitationals. Wilson stated that the current environment for hosting such events is not challenging enough in local school districts.
These paths can also be used to host park sponsored 5K or 10K events, bird watch and for local Scout troops to mark trails and scenic points of interests as part of their activities.
10th Indian Mud Run at Hilltop Golf Course, Coshocton. (Photo by Sam Blackburn/Coshocton Tribune).
It’s the more difficult courses to run and walk in order to train not only for cross-country teams but also for those who run 5Ks in other parts of the state. They need hills that don’t have automobile traffic, and that was to me the most important thing. Wilson stated that there are hills at the pavilion but not many challenging hills when I walk through the park district. Even as a walker, you can continue to walk flat courses and your heart rate will increase. Some people can’t run or walk up hills, while others can’t because they are too old or hurt.
The long-term goals are to clear the entire system for public usage with an event celebrating the revitalization of property and to partner with other organizations to grant funding and sponsorships for new paths. This could also include the clearing of forest paths.
Wilson stated that the goal for the near term is to clear enough land for an Apple Butter 5K at the Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival Oct 21-23 in Roscoe village and to maintain the trails suitable for winter and fall walking. Wilson believes that the festival would be more popular if the 5K was held.
If you are going to host a festival, it is a good idea to work with others in the community to offer more items. They will stay at the hotels and spend some time in the restaurants. Wilson stated that if you offer them more than one item, they will spend more time in Coshocton.
By: Leonard L. Hayhurst
Title: Obstacle course, disc golf, walking paths: Ohio town is making good use of an old golf course
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2022/08/19/ohio-community-making-use-old-golf-course/
Published Date: Fri, 19 Aug 2022 11:00:12 +0000
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