Towpath Rotary Park opens in Zoar with ribbon cutting, community celebration

Six years ago, it was nothing more than a weed-ridden corner on Dover-Zoar Road and Towpath Road near Zoar. On Aug. 27, a ribbon cutting ceremony marked the official opening of the Towpath Rotary Park and Pavilion, a new community space built by the Bolivar-Zoar Rotary Club, also known as the Towpath Rotary Club

The park and picnic pavilion are situated on the connector trail between Canal Lands Trailhead on Dover-Zoar Road and the Zoar Iron Bridge off of Towpath Road. That section of the trail was completed in March 2021.

Club member Kerry Miller kicked off the ceremony with a brief history of the project, which began in 2019. Miller spoke of some of the challenges the club faced in bringing the project to fruition, including the COVID pandemic and discovering the need to protect an Indiana bat habitat which prevented tree clearing operations in the summer.

Six years of work also involved navigating the proverbial red tape to obtain approvals from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tuscarawas County Commissioners and the East Central Ohio Building Authority.

The pavilion was designed by fellow Rotarian Joe Sekely, an architect from Carroll County, who donated his services. According to Jon Elsasser, club treasurer, the entire picnic shelter was built with volunteer labor. 

Miller thanked Ron Deal, club member and Rick Niblick of the Bolivar-Army Navy for donating many hours of time and talent to getting the site ready by clearing away trees and brush and for providing a lot of the muscle needed to build the pavilion.

Miller also thanked Deal and club member Jacob Zook for donating the final two picnic tables under the shelter, and Red Oak Excavating for their work getting the land in shape.

“This park is more than just a trail or a shelter,” said Miller. “It’s a testament to what we can accomplish when we come together with a shared purpose.”

Special recognition

Wrapping up her remarks, Miller took a moment to honor the late Terri Davis of Ohio Billing, who served as the club’s president and guiding light. 

“Terri Davis was a timeless supporter of rotary and a passionate advocate for our community,” said Miller. “Her warm leadership and unwavering commitment touched countless lives and helped shape the very foundation of projects like this one. 

“Terri’s presence was a gift to us all. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy lives on in every step taken on this trail and every moment shared in this space. We carry her memory forward with love and pride.”

State Representative Jodi Salvo attended the ceremony and presented the club with a commendation on behalf of the 136th General Assembly applauding club members for their efforts.

Additional information on the Bolivar-Zoar Rotary Club can be found at bolivarzoarrotary.org or on Facebook at Towpath Rotary Club.