Amherst Exempted Village Schools unveiled a walking trail May 10 at the Amherst Junior High School and Powers Elementary School combined campus at 550 Milan Ave.
The trail was proposed in 2016 by Marion L. Steele High School teachers Rob Glatz and Kim Haney.
The initial idea was to install a one-mile loop around Harris School, but with the demolition of Harris and the building of the new Powers Elementary, that project was put on hold.
“I next decided to propose an 800-meter loop that would not cross any roads and would be easily accessible for students at both schools,” Glatz said. “In 2021, I rallied with community members and business owners to come up with funding for the project.”
Following help from then-Amherst Schools Superintendent Steve Sayers, Comet Pride Walking Trail planning commenced.
Still, the final price of the trail, which came in at $30,000, exceeded the funds given, so Glatz and Haney turned to the community for support.
“Thanks to generous donations made through RunAmherst.com sponsors Paul Sliman and Oliva Toney of Sliman’s, Cookie McLoda of Parsons Insurance, Chris Russo of Hastee Tastee and Hot Dog Heaven and Steve Stepp of The Rain Doctor, the trail was able to be completed,” Haney said.
The Rain Doctor also was responsible for the construction of the trail.
Additional benches and garbage cans also were placed along the trail thanks to donations.
“By partnering with our sponsors and an $8,000 grant from the Lorain County Public Health, I, Mr. Glatz and Steele choir director Eric Watts were able to place the concrete pads, signage, benches and garbage can along the trail,” Haney said. “This project was truly a team effort, hence the name: Comet Pride Trail.”
Glatz, a former junior high cross country coach, said he felt there was a need for an all-weather fitness trail for teams to train on without crossing the road.
“This trail should greatly benefit the students and staff of both schools and beyond,” he said. “And as of May 10, our students, staff and community members can enjoy the trail.”
