Mount Vernon, Ohio

MOUNT VERNON, OHIO from the Ohio Department of Transportation. “One is a bridge over the Kokosing River, and that is right next to the Kokosing Gap Trail, which neighbours the Mount Vernon Nazarene University,” says Starr. “We’ve got two wide bike paths on that, with turning lanes for the bridge. It’s a much stronger structure and it’s much safer for pedestrians and cyclists from a design standpoint.” When complete, this trail will provide 100-percent, ADA accessibility between the university and the downtown. The 14-mile Kokosing Gap Trail is built on a Pennsylvania railroad line. At its end point in Mount Vernon, this recreational route closely connects to the nearby Heart of Ohio Trail. With the completion of an underpass for pedestrians and cyclists, the flow of traffic will no longer be interrupted on a five-lane highway to access these two pathways. Right in the center of the city is Ariel- Foundation Park – 250 acres of land, complete with lakes, forests, and walking and biking paths. Connecting to both the Kokosing Gap and the Heart of Ohio Trail, this park was repurposed out of a former glass-making factory and is a huge draw for residents and visitors to Mount Vernon. Home to Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Ohio Technical College, and Kenyon College, Mount Vernon could be described as a college town, although it has built a strong link between industry and education. “Ohio Technical College is working with our companies to develop curriculum to get these students the training, so they can walk, almost seamlessly, into the workplace,” says Starr. Nazarene University offers an Engineering Accreditation program with a focus on electrical, mechanical, and industrial engineering. Graduates are often offered positions in the local industries as soon as they complete the program. Mount Vernon High School, along with the Knox County Career Center, works to connect graduates with the local trades. Brian Ball, Mount Vernon City Engineer, describes an