The Landen-Deerfield Park trail system includes some of the oldest mountain bike-accessible trails in the region. Many segments were originally constructed decades ago using practices that are no longer considered sustainable. Over time, steep trail alignments and erosion have created maintenance challenges and environmental concerns.

This project allows us to:

• Reduce erosion and sediment movement toward Simpson Creek

• Improve trail sustainability and drainage

• Enhance safety and user experience

• Simplify trail layout and improve navigation

• Restore unsustainable “social trails”

• Create a welcoming environment for new and beginner riders

We're committed to improving the trail system while respecting the surrounding neighborhood and natural resources.

While well-loved, portions of the current trail system:

• Follow steep “fall-line” alignments that channel water and cause erosion

• Require frequent maintenance

• Include informal or “social” trails that impact natural areas

• Can be confusing to navigate

• Do not reflect modern sustainable trail design standards

This project focuses on correcting these issues.

How the Project is Funded

This project is being funded by a grant to the Ohio Trails Partnership from the State of Ohio.  The grant is administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

1. Improve Sustainability

• Replace steep, erosion-prone segments

• Realign trails to follow sustainable design principles

• Restore and revegetate decommissioned sections

• Protect the Simpson Creek corridor

2. Enhance Recreational Experience

• Maintain shared-use access (hiking, running, biking)

• Provide beginner-friendly riding opportunities

• Improve trail flow and safety

• Create a clear and intuitive layout

3. Reduce Long-Term Maintenance Burden

• Use modern trail-building practices

• Design trails that shed water naturally

• Make volunteer stewardship more effective

• Select trail segments will be rerouted to improve sustainability

• Unsustainable or redundant trails will be closed and restored

• Wayfinding signage will be improved

• Portions of trail may be designated one-directional to reduce conflicts and enhance safety

• Drainage and tread surfaces will be enhanced

What’s Not Changing

• No major expansion

• No large-scale tree clearing (Minimal incidental tree removals only where necessary for relocated trails)

• No changes to park access or parking

• No change to the park’s shared-use philosophy
  
  

This is a renovation and sustainability project —
not an expansion project.