POLAND — The village and the Ohio Department of Transportation are preparing to extend and improve a multi-use path from Delaware Avenue past Johnston Place.

The improved trail will help connect the center of the village to the Poland Community Baseball Club on Sheridan Road.

Mayor Tim Sicafuse said the proposed project includes installing an 11-foot wide, off road, asphalt-paved path along the east side of Sheridan Road from the existing path near Delaware Avenue to the ball club that is west of the North Elementary School building. The total distance of the new section is just over a quarter mile at 1,414 feet.

“We have an 80 / 20 grant from ODOT for the project,” Sicafuse said. “We also have $107,000 from (U.S. Rep.) Michael Rulli’s office when he was an Ohio Senator.”

Sicafuse said the project is expected to cost more than $400,000 and will include details such as curbs, ramps and truncated domes that meet the Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Also included will be the application of new crosswalk striping.

A recent ODOT news release stated, “Construction is currently scheduled to begin in the summer of 2026 and is anticipated to last several months. All work is expected to occur within existing public right-of-way and property acquisition is not anticipated.”

It stated during the construction, a minimum of one lane of traffic in each direction shall be maintained at all times on Sheridan Road utilizing flaggers. Road closures and detours are not proposed in the construction project. Access shall be maintained to all adjacent residential and commercial properties except when short-duration driveway closures will be required for the construction of the path. The duration of driveway closures shall be minimized as much as possible and will be coordinated with the affected residents.

The ODOT release also noted the project will require the temporary closure of the existing multi-use path near Delaware Avenue for a maximum duration of 14 days to connect to the existing path and may also result in the removal of trees that provide suitable wooded habitat for various bat species protected by the Endangered Species Act. Sicafuse said he does not foresee a problem with the bats.

“When complete, residents will be able to walk from the center of Poland using existing sidewalks, all the way to the baseball club,” he said.

Sicafuse said Poland officials are seeking any comments the public may have regarding the proposed project by contacting him by Oct. 31 at 308 S. Main Street, Poland, OH 44514, by email at tsicafuse@polandvillage.org or by telephone at 330-757-2112.