Heath Unveils New Recreation Facility to Boost Community Outdoor Lifestyle

Michael Zilinskas, president of the City of Heath Economic Development Corporation and Heath Municipal Benefits Corporation, announced the completion of new nature trails in Heath that give residents access to roughly three miles of connected walking and biking paths through the city's Towne Center area.

The new nature trails are accessible from Chris Cuny Boulevard in The Reserve, next to Heath High School. Walkers, joggers, and cyclists can also begin their journey on the paved trail that loops around Tom Thumb and winds through The Reserve, continuing all the way to Smirl Drive. The two trail types link seamlessly: the paved path connects directly to the newly added natural trails, opening up access to approximately 70 acres of land owned by the City and the Heath Municipal Benefits Corporation.

Whether parked near Tom Thumb or at the trailheads, users now have access to roughly three miles of connected trails, both paved and natural, in the Towne Center area. The city shared a video highlighting the development through its official account, along with a map illustration showing the new trail layout at The Reserve.

As a premier outdoor-lifestyle community, the City of Heath places a high priority on expanding its trail network to provide safe, enjoyable bicycle and pedestrian connections throughout the city. The trail expansion fits within a broader pattern of investment: Towne Center Park is circled by a paved trail that continues into the Highlands of Heath neighborhood, and additional nature trails are planned to connect from Chris Cuny into property owned by the Heath Economic Development Corporation at 305 Laurence, where a temporary dog recreation area is to be constructed.

The Reserve is a premier destination for exclusive, upscale development, with 20 acres of wooded land owned by the HMBC adjoining an additional 50 acres of city-owned land designated as open space. The new trail connections now make that landscape directly accessible to the public on foot or by bike for the first time.

The Heath EDC and MBC are nonprofit organizations funded by sales taxes approved by city voters. The trail map is available through the city's parks and trails page. City Hall at 200 Laurence Drive can be reached at 972-771-6228 during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.