WARREN — Members of the Northwest Neighborhood Association got an update Monday on a proposed waterway walking trail project along the Mahoning River.

Katie Phillips, an urban planner, and Kevin Drozin, an engineer, both with MS Consultants, spoke at the association’s meeting at Grace Methodist Church about the potential pathway that would be part of a trail connection between Bullhead Park heading north to Burbank Park.

“We are currently waiting to see the exact amount of funding we will receive and be able to work with for this project so we can determine the priority sections to put that trail in,” Phillips said.

The Warren waterway trail project includes three proposed project areas: An off road path along Tod Avenue to Dunstan Drive, an off road path along Tod Avenue extending the trail from the first project, and enhancement and resurfacing of existing paths and trails in Burbank Park.

Phillips said the project’s goal is to create a pedestrian connection between all of Warren’s riverfront parks from Burbank to Perkins Park.

Officials at the meeting said the Mahoning River is an asset not only for the community, but for the entire region. They noted urban trails improve the quality of life by bringing active paths to people’s backyards.

The city already has received funding through the Appalachian Community Grant Program, with $4.2 million awarded in 2024 by Gov. Mike DeWine for a pedestrian bridge at Perkins Park, which will be constructed this year.

The potential walking trail could be completed this year if the funding is available.

Phillips said the remainder of the funds from the Appalachian grant would go toward a trail that would connect Burbank Park to Bullhead Park.

“The remaining funding of the $4.2 million will be going to the Warren trail. Because money has been spent on the Perkins Park bridge, we are waiting to figure out the remaining budget between Bullhead and Burbank parks,” she said.

Phillips said the connections on the trail need to be made starting at Burbank Park and since there is no sidewalk, a bike path or walking path would be proposed at the location.

The second project that may or may not be funded would be a pathway connecting Burbank Park all the way to Bullhead Park trailhead.

“If there is enough funding, we would be able to resurface an existing trail that is already in Burbank Park,” Phillips said. “Right now we are waiting to see what the remaining funds are. The main goals are to create connections on the riverfront park area. If you are on a bike, you need more space than a traditional sidewalk,” she said.

Phillips said since it is unclear how much of the funds would be left over, the remaining funds would not be enough to cover the whole trail, so officials will have to decide which sections of the trail would take priority for the community.

Mayor Doug Franklin said the meeting was productive, with the three walking trail area proposals being good ideas that would each help connect the parks with the neighborhoods along the river.

“Right now, it is all about what funding is available. The bulk of the funds are for the pedestrian bridge to connect Perkins Park to the downtown peninsula area. I think all three options are good. The Mahoning River itself is a natural connection,” Franklin said.

He added that with the Summit Street Dam removed, kayaking from Perkins, Burbank and Packard parks along the river is now possible.

“There are three options but it may not be economically feasible to do all three connections. I think residents would support a Burbank to Bullhead connection as a top priority,” he said.

Franklin said it was good to hear from the residents.

Residents at the meeting asked questions and expressed some concerns about a bike trail along busy Tod Avenue.

Phillips said the project must be completed by October 2026.