MOUNT VERNON — New pavement for the Kokosing Gap Trail is one step closer to completion. 

Knox County Parks District director David Heithaus said at Thursday’s commissioner meeting that the transportation alternatives program grant awarded in 2024 for repaving the Kokosing Gap Trail has entered the engineering phase, with the Knox County Engineer’s Office assisting phases one and two of the project. 

Last year, the Ohio Department of Transportation awarded the Knox County Park District a $1.1 million TAP grant grant. The 14-mile trail was last paved two decades ago and is separating in shaded areas.

To help prepare for the project, trees have been trimmed to make way for paving equipment. There are also plans on replacing drainage infrastructure before the project begins in 2026, Heithaus said. 

Heithaus estimates bids will be sent out at the end of 2025 and early 2026. 

Berm erosion and pavement cracking have appeared on the Heart of Ohio Trail near the Pacemaker’s Drag Strip, said Parks Director David Heithaus.

He added that a large box culvert is failing between Ohio 314 and Updike Road. The park district is investigating repair options, which would likely be implemented in 2026.

The district also received a $10,000 grant from the Knox County Foundation for a picnic and event shelter at Thayer Ridge Park, Heithaus said. He expects the shelter to be installed by early May.

In February, the district received a $70,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation for data loggers on the county’s multi-use trails. The trackers will be placed on the Kokosing Gap Trail after the paving project is completed.

Also at Thursday’s meeting, county administrator Jason Booth reported the Knox County Jail currently holds 79 inmates, though officials did not provide a breakdown by gender.

County Commissioner Barry Lester asked Booth if future reports could include the average holding time for inmates.

by Grant Ritchey April 24, 2025