Great Parks has started building the final segment of the Columbia Connector trail toward Mariemont.

The third and final phase covers 0.7 miles and will complete a 1.1-mile trail from Pocahontas Avenue to the intersection of U.S. 50/Wooster Pike and Newtown Road, connecting to the Little Miami Scenic Trail. The Cincinnati Enquirer reported Aug. 28 that Great Parks has secured nearly $2.5 million in federal, state and regional funding for the project. The Ohio Department of Transportation is leading design work through the Eastern Corridor Project.

The segment will cross Walton Creek, pass through the commercial district, cross U.S. 50 near Mariemont High School and end at Pocahontas Avenue. Once finished, trail users will be able to reach area businesses, Mariemont High School, the Mariemont Branch Library and several nearby Metro stops.

"This phase of the Columbia Connector will become a vital community resource along the river, while providing a safe transportation route separated from vehicular traffic in a very busy area," Great Parks CEO Todd Palmeter said in the Enquirer's Aug. 28 report.

The construction milestone came the same weekend more than 600 cyclists were expected to gather at Fifty West Brewing Company on Wooster Pike for the fourth annual Tour de CROWN on Saturday, Aug. 29, according to Tri-State Trails. The ride is the organization's signature fundraiser supporting the Cincinnati Riding or Walking Network (CROWN), a planned 34-mile trail loop across Greater Cincinnati.

The ride has grown each year. The inaugural Tour de CROWN in 2023 drew 325 riders. Participation topped 700 in 2025.

Tri-State Trails offered three routes: a 34-mile Full CROWN, a 17.5-mile Half CROWN and an 8.5-mile Beechmont Connector Ride. The full-CROWN route included a new Wasson Way trail connection through Xavier University's campus. The Village of Mariemont served as a Wanderer Sponsor of the event, alongside the Village of Fairfax, Interact for Health, PRUS Construction and Greater Cincinnati Water Works.

Columbia Township closed a lane of U.S. Route 50 on ride day to give cyclists dedicated space between the Murray Path and the finish line at Fifty West. Great Parks, the ride's presenting sponsor, was widening and repaving the Lunken Airport Loop ahead of the event. Tri-State Trails described it as one of the narrowest shared-use trails on the route.

The CROWN is more than 65% complete, with another six miles funded, according to Tri-State Trails Executive Director Wade Johnston. Since 2019, more than $43.2 million in public funding has gone toward CROWN projects.

Completion of the Columbia Connector is expected in spring 2028.