Creating Healthy Communities (CHC) Program
OUC Trail Construction Project
Expanding community utilization, capacity-building, and general well-being.
The Statewide Trail administrator for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has developed an overall progression plan to build a multi-use trail providing a place for the local NICA team, Ross County Mountain Lions, to train while creating a connection for hikers and runners to have a town-based recreational trail.
Stakeholders: NICA / Youth MTB, Ross County Park District, Community Leadership, Local Trail Builders/Volunteers, Ohio University Chillicothe (leadership and students)
Program Overview
CHC in Ross County:
The Ross County Health District (RCHD) is proud to receive funding from 2024-2029 to support the CHC Program within our county. This funding will support active living and healthful eating strategies that will promote chronic disease reduction and prevention throughout our community. Findings from the most recent Ross County Health Assessment show that our community deserves policy, system, and environmental changes that will support a healthy lifestyle for all Ross County residents.
Mission
CHC is committed to preventing and reducing chronic disease statewide. Through cross-sector collaboration, we are activating communities to improve access to and affordability of healthy food, increase opportunities for physical activity, and assure tobacco-free living where Ohioans live, work, and play. By implementing sustainable evidence-based strategies, CHC is creating a culture of health.
Borrow bicycles and equipment at the library for free!
Bicycles are available at the Main Library on Paint Street and the Northside Library on Buckeye Street. You must call 740-702-4145 or visit the library for all bike reservations. Holds cannot be placed online for bikes. Kiosks are available outside of the libraries for after-hours access with the On Bike Share app.
bike advisory committee
The Bike Advisory Committee is dedicated to advancing biking opportunities in Ross County as well as working to make biking safer, more accessible, and a key part of transportation and recreation.
chc projects timeline
Repaired park and added gaga pit
Planted Community Garden at Paint Valley Ministries
Multi Use Trail Project at OUC
Community garden continuation with educational classes at the Chillicothe Ross County Main Public Library
Installation of pickleball/basketball court striping in Bainbridge
Helped provide additional bike fix-it stations, bikes, and docking stations
Provided ADA accessible trail at Kinnikinnick Fen Nature Preserve
Book-A-Bike expansion to Paxton Library
Provided 2 accessible pieces of playground equipment, accessible picnic table, and bike racks to Patrick Park
Mt. Logan Community Garden
Chillicothe Farmers Market Bainbridge Expansion
Chillicothe Complete Streets Policy
Approval of AT Plan and implementation of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure elements (crosswalks, bike lanes, and bike sharrows); approval of RCHD Healthy Food Environment Policy
Library Community Garden; Library Book-a-Bike Program
Paint Valley Elementary ADA Playground Improvements; Paint Valley Ministries Food Pantry Client Choice Model Expansion
Paint Valley Preschool Healthy Snacks and Beverages Policy
Development of county Active Transportation (AT) Plan
Complete Streets.
Ross County Health District’s CHC Program is collaborating with the city of Chillicothe to develop a Complete Streets Policy. To learn more about Complete Streets please click below.
