Project Summary

In April 2023, the Columbus Redevelopment Commission hosted the 1821 Bicentennial Trail Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Over 100 attendees witnessed the grand opening of the 1821 Trail, which was the seminal project of the Columbus/Bartholomew County Bicentennial. Keynote speakers included Bicentennial Steering Committee Co-Chairs, the Mayor, Columbus Redevelopment Commission representatives and Community Development leadership.

The 1821 Trail is a key addition to the Columbus Park Foundation trail system and connects our 26 miles of trail extending throughout the city.

Timeline:

2021 Project Activity:

1st Quarter 2021: Preliminary project timeline released.
2nd Quarter 2021: Hitchcock Design Group (HDG) selected for this project. Columbus design group meets to discuss updated concepts, including QR codes, seating placement, gateway features, etc. and select preferred concepts.
3rd Quarter 2021: A preliminary utilities timeline and bidding timeline are proposed. A Special CRC Meeting is held to adopt a resolution to engage HDG and American Structurepoint to complete Phase II of final design and engineering.
4th Quarter 2021: 100% Design Development plans, cost and specs submitted by HDG. Resolution No. 27-2021 approved, which allows for expending Certified Tech Park Funds for specific use on the 1821 Trail. Bid documents are submitted to contractors. The 1821 Trail Brick Campaign launches. A pre-bid meeting is held. Resolution No. 29-2021 approves funding a portion of the 1821 Bicentennial Trail from the Central Allocation Area. Contractor bids are received and opened in a public meeting. Groundbreaking is held on December 28, 2021 and the selected contractor, Dave O’Mara, is present during the groundbreaking ceremony.

2022 Project Activity:

1st Quarter 2022: A pre-construction meeting is held at City Hall to discuss the project timeline. Construction limits are staked, but material lead-time creates delays in the water main portion of the project. By the end of the quarter, tree and shrub removal takes place along the City Hall block.
2nd Quarter 2022: Brick shipments are received throughout the month of April, and the limestone marker blocks are relocated to the construction site and prepare for fabrication. Curb and gutter demo takes place along 1st Street. Considerable construction progress on the 1821 Trail: water main installed, curb and gutter installed, removal of existing sidewalks, etc. The utility component of the trail is completed, road patchwork has been completed along 1st Street, and the trail is being prepped for concrete. Limestone foundation is poured.
3rd Quarter 2022: Limestone fabrication continues, trail concrete pouring progresses from west to east, limestone benches monument bases are placed along the trail. Additionally, brick paving progressed considerably, the historical marker frames are being fabricated, and 1st Street is milled and paved.
4th Quarter 2022: The East Plaza brickwork is partially-installed and trail construction tape and barrels is removed to open access to the trail for Ethnic Expo. The Washington Street Gateway markers have been fabricated and are ready for installation. Final brickwork to set-in and even the existing installation takes place throughout the month of November. Gateway and Historical Markers are completed in the fabrication process.

2023 Project Activity:

1st Quarter 2023: The final landscaping is completed. Gateway and Historical Markers are installed along the trail and are internally illuminated at night. The final detectable warning strips are replaced at remaining intersections. The trail is complete! Now we plan for ribbon cutting in the spring! The Project Completion Certificate is received for the 1821 Trail.
April 2023: The CRC hosts the 1821 Bicentennial Trail Grand Opening / Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with over 100 in attendance. The trail is officially open for all to use and enjoy!