On November 10, we welcomed trail planners, land managers, advocates, and community members from across the region to the 7th Tri-State Trails Summit. Over 125 people joined us at Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, Kentucky to participate in a full day of presentations, visioning, and collaboration.

Kalene Griffith, President of Visit Bentonville, and David Wright, Director of Bentonville Parks & Recreation, teamed up for our keynote address sharing their experiences of building a world class trail network in Bentonville, Arkansas.

The three panel discussions focused attention on: attracting federal infrastructure dollars to our region for multi-modal projects, best practices from around the Midwest, and expanding the vision for a connected trail and bikeway network.

We were honored to present awards for project, advocate, and organization of the year. All of these leaders are working tirelessly to put our region on the map for creativity, collaboration, perseverance, and vision. 

Little Miami Scenic Trail Beechmont Bridge, Project of the Year

Whitewater Canal Trail, Project of the Year

Jan and Wym Portman, Advocates of the Year

The Devou Good Foundation, Organization of the year

We’re wrapping up 2022 with a tremendous feeling of gratitude thanks to the support and encouragement from the allies who joined us for the 2022 Tri-State Trails Summit. It’s because of our shared vision for accessibility that the momentum continues to build for active transportation issues in the tri-state. We’re excited to take the next steps together so that we may position our trail and bikeway network to be connected, accessible, and world class.

View more photos from the Summit here.

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NKU Sustainability was excited to host Tri-State Trails for their biennial summit this year and bring together community members, students, elected officials, local non-profits and many others in support of safe, equitable and sustainable connectivity in our region. The tangible work of Tri-State Trails with paved walking paths and protected bike lanes also produces the intangible outcomes of better connection among our communities, improved quality of life, and safer communities, all showcased at this year’s summit. NKU Sustainability is thrilled to collaborate with and support organizations like Tri-State Trails in their sustainability initiatives to create a healthier and more equitable community.

Tiffany Budd, Sustainability Operations Coordinator, Northern Kentucky University