Rooted in Conservation, Built for Community
Thank You, Preservation Parks
We’re incredibly grateful to the Board of Park Commissioners at Preservation Parks for awarding COMBO with the Community Park & Trail Grant. This $50,000 Grant will be used to fund and support the development of new trail structures at Alum Creek State Park.
Preservation Parks has committed to funding and supporting the development of new trail structures as part of COMBO’s 5.7-mile trail revitalization project at Alum Creek. This partnership represents something bigger than trail improvements, it’s a shared commitment to conservation, thoughtful design, and meaningful outdoor experiences for our community.
Rebuilding the Next Chapter at Alum Creek
As many of you know, COMBO is rebuilding and improving a 5.7-mile corridor of existing trail at Alum Creek. This section has long needed attention, from drainage challenges to erosion issues, and through extensive community input, we’ve been working to transform it into a more sustainable, enjoyable experience for both hikers and folks on two wheels.
The renewed trail will feature:
Modern, environmentally responsible design
Improved drainage and erosion control
More durable tread and trail structures
A more engaging and accessible experience for a wider range of users
When complete, this revitalized corridor will complement the existing trail system, bringing the total connected mileage at Alum Creek to 26 miles, all just minutes from Columbus. That means more options, better flow, and a stronger regional trail destination for Central Ohio.
Why This Partnership Matters
Preservation Parks is deeply committed to protecting Delaware County’s natural areas, places that are home to thousands of native plant and animal species and provide a rare sense of quietude and harmony in an otherwise busy world.
Their conservation work includes:
Land acquisition and permanent protection
Prairie and wetland restoration
Reforestation and invasive species management
Habitat improvement for wildlife
They also provide walking trails, natural play areas, wildlife blinds, educational programs, and classroom outreach across every school system in Delaware County. Their mission centers on strengthening people’s connection to the landscape, wildlife, and history of their home county.
That mission aligns seamlessly with how we approach trail building.
Sustainable trails aren’t just about better riding, they’re about protecting soil, improving water flow, minimizing long-term impact, and designing with the ecosystem in mind. By supporting new trail structures at Alum Creek, Preservation Parks is helping ensure that recreation and conservation move forward together.
Trails That Respect the Land
The structures being funded will enhance durability and reduce environmental impact in key areas of the corridor. Properly designed features improve drainage, stabilize high-traffic zones, and prevent future degradation, all while enhancing the experience for trail users.
This isn’t short-term patchwork. It’s long-term stewardship.
At COMBO, we believe trails should feel immersive, winding through habitat in a way that awakens the senses, not overwhelms them. With Preservation Parks’ support, we’re building infrastructure that protects the land while inviting people deeper into it.
A Community Investment
Preservation Parks is primarily funded by Delaware County voters, with additional support from grants and generous donors. That means this partnership is, at its core, an investment from the community back into the community.
Together, we’re creating a space where:
Families can explore nature safely
New riders can build confidence
Long-time trail users can experience renewed flow
Wildlife habitat is respected and improved
Future generations inherit something better than what came before
Looking Ahead
We’re proud to stand alongside Preservation Parks in this effort. Their commitment to conservation strengthens this project in tangible ways, and reinforces that great trails and healthy ecosystems are not opposing goals. They are deeply connected.
Thank you, Preservation Parks, for believing in thoughtful recreation, responsible trail design, and the power of protected places. The next chapter at Alum Creek is stronger because of you, and we can’t wait for our community to experience what’s ahead.
With much gratitude,
The COMBO Team
