As Tuscarawas County prepares for a significant infrastructure project, the battle over greenspace preservation versus essential development looms large.
The Ohio Department of Transportation is moving forward with its County Road 62 bridge replacement project, which is set to begin construction in March 2026, with a projected completion in November 2026. The initiative, while aiming to enhance public safety and transportation efficiency, has raised concerns from local advocates about the potential loss of valuable recreational land — particularly the Tusky Riverfront Park.
TuscLands, a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2022, is dedicated to promoting and preserving Tuscarawas County’s farms and greenspaces for current and future generations. With board members including Gabriel Riggle, a proponent of public service initiatives, and Andrew Cornell, who has a deep-rooted commitment to local agriculture, TuscLands maintains a strong focus on community preservation.
“Day after day, we see ribbon-cutting ceremonies for new developments that consume our farms and open spaces,” Riggle said. “No organization currently exists to preserve Tuscarawas County’s rural character.”
Although the ODOT bridge project is moving forward, TuscLands continues to monitor its progress through public records requests and direct engagement with ODOT representatives.
“I want to help preserve the green spaces that made growing up here so special, so that future generations can enjoy them just like I did,” Cornell said.
To address these concerns, TuscLands is raising awareness about the project’s potential impact. The group encourages residents to support its preservation efforts through donations made online or at local events, including an inaugural Dine-to-Donate fundraiser at Chipotle in New Philadelphia, scheduled for July 12. The organization aims to foster greater community engagement in local conservation efforts.
In contrast to TuscLands’ position, ODOT asserts the bridge replacement project is crucial for updating infrastructure and improving public safety along critical transportation routes. According to Lauren Borell, public information officer for ODOT District 11, the project is designed to enhance safety and meet the needs of a growing community.
“Throughout the planning phase, ODOT’s study evaluated various alternatives before determining the preferred option that includes minimal impact to recreational areas, including the Tusky Riverfront Park,” Borell said.
She emphasized that ODOT is committed to complying with federal regulations to ensure that public recreational properties are protected wherever possible.
Borell also noted that ODOT has conducted community engagement activities over several years, allowing residents and stakeholders to express their views. Still, TuscLands believes more ongoing dialogue would help address lingering concerns and improve community relations.
As part of the project, ODOT will acquire land from the village of Tuscarawas for fair market value, as determined by ODOT’s Real Estate Division. This acquisition complies with regulations and is intended to minimize impacts on surrounding areas, particularly public recreational properties.
The preferred project alternative includes the acquisition of land from Snyder’s Landing Boat Ramp and has been evaluated under federal Section 4(f) regulations. ODOT has determined that the acquisition will have a de minimis impact on recreational facilities — meaning that while some land will be taken, it will not significantly interfere with park use.
