The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is open again in Akron, two weeks after an early morning fire destroyed a trail bridge, Summit Metro Parks announced Tuesday.
On April 19, the trail was closed north of the Wilbeth Road Trailhead, after the fire was allegedly intentionally set and about 40 feet of a floating bridge was destroyed, according to the parks.
A temporary bypass is in place while city officials work on a permanent replacement. The parks said it is estimated to cost between $75,000 and $90,000 as the bridge was not insured.
Summit Metro Parks said it will contribute $10,000 toward the rebuild; and a crowdfunding effort by the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition has reportedly raised more than $2,200.
Anyone with information about the fire may call the park's district's administrative offices at (330) 867-5511.
