Imagine a place to hike, cycle, paddle your kayak, or quietly sit at the river’s edge – all within just a short drive or walk from Northern Kentucky’s urban core along the Licking River.  The exciting concept of a multi-purpose Licking River Greenway emerged from the collective thinking of community leaders during strategic planning sessions sponsored by Vision 2015 a couple years ago.  During the past year, the master planning process combined innovative design by Woolpert LLC and Human Nature, the dedication of the Greenway Steering Committee and Civic Engagement Team, and enthusiastic community input with funding support from Vision 2015 and its partners.  This synergy has produced a master plan that brings us to the threshold of transforming the abstract into reality.

These pages reveal detailed information about the abundant cultural and natural resources of the five-mile Licking River corridor in both Campbell and Kenton counties, from the Alvin C. Poweleit Bridge spanning the river on I-275 to the Licking’s historic confluence with the Ohio River.  The corridor’s surprising hidden assets are waiting to be rediscovered as the greenway plan unfolds.  To be realistic, the plan examines both opportunities and constraints inherent in developing individual segments of the trail system in the coming years.  Perhaps my favorite part is the recommended initial implementation plan, because it indicates where we could begin trail development in the near future.  The possibilities for new recreational opportunities, water quality improvement, wildlife enhancement, and environmental and cultural education along the river corridor are limited only by our imagination and our commitment to seek resources to develop the trail system to its fullest potential.

So let’s not let this plan collect dust on a shelf.  Many challenges lie ahead, but with persistence and determination, the Licking River Greenway can take shape to become a legacy to benefit future generations in our region.  The words on our project logo describe the greenway well – where Northern Kentucky comes together.  Both literally and figuratively, we can come together to make the greenway a reality!

- Lorna Harrell, Chair

Master Plan Steering Committee