The Vistula Neighborhood, on the west side of the Maumee River, is Toledo’s original neighborhood dating back to the 1840’s. Remnants of much of the neighborhood’s rich history can still be seen within the historic neighborhood. As Toledo’s original neighborhood, Vistula remains a downtown neighborhood near many of Toledo’s major centers of employment. However, there are virtually no spaces for the community to gather and the Riverwalk will provide a free space for the community to come together.

 

Vistula is currently experiencing a renaissance. In the early 2000s, the Historic Vistula Foundation began to lead efforts to preserve, restore, and redevelop Vistula. This effort continues today with continued work to implement the recommendations of the 2020 Vistula Neighborhood Master Plan . In that plan, the key findings determined there is great opportunity because of the proximity to downtown and the Riverfront. The neighborhoods two major pieces: the connection to the Maumee River along Summit and Water Streets and the residential piece of the neighborhood each feeds into each other, allowing residents to get to the riverfront and vice-versa.  Furthermore, the Vistula Neighborhood Plan noted that the majority of parks and open space should be place along the riverfront and there should always be public access to the riverfront.

 

Through the linear park which will develop along the Riverwalk in the Vistula neighborhood, there is over 1 mile of 12 foot wide shared use path. A portion of the path is already funded through a project in collaboration with the City of Toledo and RAISE funds will complete the remaining 4,184 feet. RAISE project funding will also cover earthwork, seawall, floating wetlands, parking, boardwalks, landscaping and amenities including shelter houses, kayak launch and kayak locker, playground, shade structures, benches, lighting, and restrooms. ADA access and Universal Design elements for accessibility are included throughout.