By Mark Hansel
NKyTribune Contributor
The multi-use path that extends the length of Aero Parkway in Boone County has become increasingly well-traveled since it was dedicated in 2012.
The road has alleviated congestion along Burlington Pike in the Mall Road area and the scenic path has also become a popular exercise route.
Those who run, walk or bike along the 2.5-mile path now have a couple of places to rest along the way, thanks to the Northern Kentucky Association of Realtors.
Boone County Judge Executive Gary Moore joined members of the realtors group to dedicate two new benches along Aero Parkway.
“I drove across this stretch of road on Saturday and I was amazed at how many people were on this path, and every day it seems to increase,” Moore said. “Having a couple of places for people to take a break and rest is a good thing.”
The Northern Kentucky Association of Realtors applied for and received a $1,800 National Association of Realtors Placemaking Grant, which provided most of the funding. The local group kicked in the additional funds for the benches, which cost $2,116.
“We welcome the opportunity to do this for the community,” Ken Warden of the National Association of Realtors said. “We feel very strongly about all of the counties we cover and we just want to give back for all of that they have given to us.”
Aero Parkway extends from Burlington Pike to Turfway Road where it terminates across from the entrance to the Northern Kentucky Association of Realtors office.
“We are just really proud to be part of this project,” Janie Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Kentucky Association of Realtors, said. “The fact that this pathway leads straight to our building made it the perfect situation for us.”
Moore said the Northern Kentucky Association of Realtors has been a valuable community partner from the beginning of the Aero Parkway project.
“When we passed their building, we needed some right-of-way and they were very good about working with us on that,” Moore said. “Then when we had some excess right-of-way on another part of the project they were able to add that to their parcel.”
The dark blue benches, which include the Northern Kentucky Realtors Association logo, are located at strategic points along the path.
Can Anyone explain what the parking spot along aero way are for ?? And why cant they be used ? Look like a waste of parking spots, Where are the people that come there to walk supposed to park ?
That photo is pathetic. They’re standing around patting each other on the back over installing a couple park benches, like it was some great feat of urban planning.
Indeed that whole bike path is pathetic. On the west side, it connects to nothing but high-speed KY-18 which is terrifying for bikers and pedestrians, and on the east side it connects to… a Walmart and a Sam’s Club?
To answer Mr’s Vance’s question, those aren’t parking spots, they’re ostensibly future connections to more roads (probably mandated by the state) but nothing will ever come of them, so they’re just off-limits patches of asphalt