Phase 6: The Northern Arc - Planning for the Future, Completing the Loop

Phase 6: Update 

For decades, the Oxford Area Trails System (OATS) has been guided by a simple but powerful goal: create a safe, connected trail network that links neighborhoods, parks, schools, and destinations throughout the city. As most of the loop is now complete, attention has turned to the final unbuilt segment, the Northern Arc, connecting the Oxford Community Park to the Historic Black Covered Bridge. In addition, feedback from the Oxford Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan identified completing the trail and improving bike access as top community priorities. This portion of the trail represents the last missing link needed to fully close the OATS loop within Oxford’s city limits. 

Planning Process

The Planning process for the Northwest segment started in 2021. To evaluate feasible routes, the City of Oxford worked with Bayer Becker, a civil engineering and planning firm, to study potential connections between Community Park and the western end of Phase 1 near the Black Covered Bridge. This process included:  

• Development of multiple conceptual route alternatives  

• Detailed mapping within existing rights-of-way  

• Cost and constructability analysis  

• Safety, access, and maintenance considerations  

Understanding the Planning Context 

Importantly, this technical work was paired with extensive public engagement. Community members reviewed maps, provided feedback, and shared concerns and preferences. Most residents shared their preference for a more "rural, scenic" route. A proposed route was drafted that would have traveled north through farmland in Oxford Township. It became clear early in the planning process that the City does not have jurisdiction in Oxford Township and the township indicated that it was not supportive of any efforts to explore eminent domain for a trail system in this area. Due to this limitation, a more rural, scenic route outside the city limits was not feasible. 

As a result, planning efforts focused on routes entirely within Oxford’s municipal boundaries, ensuring that the City would have the authority to build, maintain, and manage the trail for decades to come. New design routes were examined within city limits, and the proposed route utilized numerous backyards to attempt to create the same "scenic" feel the public desired, but after a large amount of public outcry, the planning project was paused for a 2-year period.  

Starting the Planning Over 

In 2024, the City began exploring the Northern Arc trail segments again. It became apparent during this round of planning that the need for route options needed to rely heavily on existing public rights-of-way and minimize the need for private property acquisition.

A vision for the phase 6 trail

After careful evaluation and a public meeting on October 10, 2024, the Oxford Parking and Transportation Advisory Board (OPTAB) identified preferred options that best balanced safety, access, cost, and neighborhood compatibility. There will be the need for some private property acquisition for the proposed trail route, but it is minimal compared to earlier route proposals. They voted and made a route recommendation for the City Council to review. 

Phase 6 Adoption 

The recommended Phase 6 path options were presented to Council on December 17th, 2024. Following extensive public comment, the Phase 6 route was voted on and approved as the official route for the Northern Arc. The proposed route will travel from the Oxford Community Park, through wooded land owned by the Knolls of Oxford, eventually crossing Contreras Rd. The route will continue northward from there, requiring an easement on private farmland adjacent to the Plantation West and Heritage Vineyard subdivisions. Once north of the Heritage subdivision, the route would cross the CSX railroad tracks and connect to Merry Day Park. 

From there, the route will be within the public right of way along Reagh's Way, then an improved crossing will be created on US 27, with the route continuing within the public right of way on Hester Rd, Jacob Dr, and Northridge Dr. A new crossing would be provided at Brown Rd. and require an easement on private property to travel east to Morning Sun Rd, where it will once again connect with the Black Covered Bridge.  

This proposed route allows the trail to function as both a transportation and recreation corridor, connecting neighborhoods and key destinations such as parks and schools. 

A map of the northern arc

When will it be built? 

The construction of the Phase 6 section of the trail is not funded, and the City intends to apply for funding in 2026 for 2027/2028 construction.