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Great Miami Recreational Trail Renamed to Honor Dave Belew
In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Hamilton Community Foundation’s (HCF) founding, then Board Chair Dave Belew advocated for the extension of the Great Miami River Trail. Almost 25 years later, that same trail in Hamilton is being renamed to honor his legacy.
Without Dave’s tireless work, the northern extension of the trail would not exist. Not only did he advocate for the trail to pass through Hamilton since its conception, he also continually led & supported efforts to complete it. Dave built consensus among Hamilton’s community leaders and helped community stakeholders in seeing this vision of a vibrant Hamiltonian waterfront trail.
It is because of these efforts that Hamilton is a bit more beautiful than it was before. Located immediately adjacent to Marcum Park, Hamilton’s riverfront is now a thriving community space. Yet the trail serves another purpose. Over the next five to ten years, the Dave Belew trail will connect to the larger Miami Valley Regional Trail Network. Not only will this allow Hamiltonians to travel 350+ miles of paved trails, but it will also welcome the wider Ohio community to our doorstep.
On May 10, 2024, the Hamilton portion of the Greater Miami River Trail will officially be renamed in honor of Dave Belew. The celebration will be held inside the Fitton Center for Creative Arts, rain or shine. For more information about potentially attending this event please contact the Hamilton Community Foundation.
Looking for ideas of what to do on the trail? Read our blog on the different ways you can explore the Dave Belew Trail!