Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition

What Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition does

The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition (OECC) is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1989 and headquartered at the Richard Howe House in Akron, Ohio. OECC serves as the primary steward of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and the broader Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area (federally designated in 1996), coordinating the development, maintenance, and programming of a multi-use trail corridor spanning over 90 continuous miles across Summit, Stark, and Tuscarawas Counties, with a target of 101 miles by 2030. The organization operates a portfolio of programs and physical assets including the Towpath Companion interpretive guide, Summit Bike Share (free bicycle system operating May-October), Canal Cleanups volunteer stewardship, the Adopt-A-Trail corporate partnership program, and the Akron Civic Commons initiative encompassing Lock 3 Park and Summit Lake NorthShore Park.

OECC's business model is a diversified nonprofit revenue structure spanning individual memberships ($10-$250/year), corporate sponsorships through the Canalway Trailblazer program (50+ corporate partners including Huntington Bank, Goodyear, Bridgestone, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Akron Children's Hospital, and PNC Bank), annual signature events (the Huntington Towpath Century Ride has raised over $1.8 million since 2009), government grants (notably a $4.9 million ODOT Transportation Alternatives Program award in 2025), and major philanthropic contributions. The organization has leveraged over $300 million in public-private investments for canalway development under former President & CEO Dan Rice's 32-year tenure, with a documented $1-to-$16 Summit County funding leverage ratio. Catherine Timko succeeded Dan Rice as President & CEO effective May 26, 2026.

The organization's underlying operational technology centers on trail and park development infrastructure—boardwalk construction, underpass improvements, boardwalk construction over Summit Lake, GIS-based trail planning across three counties, and visitor amenities at the Richard Howe House visitor center—rather than software or digital platforms. OECC markets through a bimonthly Towpath Times email newsletter, social media (Facebook, Instagram @towpathtrail, Twitter/X), signature events, community outreach meetings, and earned media coverage of major project milestones. The Towpath Companion guidebook is sold through partner retailers and online.

Name

Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition

Legal name

Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition

Website

https://www.ohioeriecanal.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that develops and stewards the 90+ mile Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and Akron Civic Commons parks, serving trail users, corporate sponsors, and government partners across northeast Ohio.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Heritage Trail Development and Conservation Services

NAICS

Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Land (487110), Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation (487), Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Convention and Visitors Bureaus (561591)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Recreation & Activity Services (Hiking, Boating, Climbing, Fishing—Guided/Authorized) (THAAAGAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Guided Nature Walks & Interpretive Hikes (THAAAEAA)

Keywords

• Heritage trail development
• Canal towpath management
• Conservation nonprofit services
• Recreational trail programming
• Community greenway planning

Headquarters

HQ city

Akron

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Memberships: Annual membership program with multiple levels ($10-$250) providing benefits including newsletter subscriptions, event discounts, and recognition. Serves as a recurring revenue stream from individual supporters committed to trail development.
2. Corporate Sponsorships and Trailblazer Program: Corporate memberships at Gold ($500) and Silver ($250) levels. The Canalway Trailblazer program represents the highest level of corporate support through annual sponsorship of events and programs. Includes 50+ corporate sponsors across various industries.
3. Event Fundraising: Major annual fundraiser is the Huntington Towpath Century Ride (2-day, 101-mile cycling event) which has raised over $1.8 million throughout its history. Additional events include Towpath 50, Bike Hike and Brew, and Apex Skin Towpath Freedom 5K.
4. Government Grants and Public Funding: Major funding from ODOT Transportation Alternatives Program ($4.9 million awarded in 2025 for Tuscarawas County trail development). The organization has leveraged over $300 million in public-private investments under Dan Rice's leadership. Summit County provides dedicated funding for trail grants.
5. Donations and Planned Giving: General donations, planned giving opportunities, and endowment fund through Akron Community Foundation. The $22 million Akron Civic Commons fundraising campaign supports Lock 3 and Summit Lake park redevelopment.
6. Publication Sales: Sale of Towpath Companion interpretive guides ($19.95 in-person, $30 online including shipping). Available at various retail locations and online.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that develops, stewards, and programs the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and associated parks in northeast Ohio. It manages public spaces including Summit Lake NorthShore and Lock 3, runs volunteer programs such as Canal Cleanups and Adopt-A-Trail, publishes the Towpath Companion guidebook, operates Summit Bike Share, and administers the Summit County Trails & Greenways Grant Program. It also produces signature fundraising and community events such as the Huntington Towpath Century Ride, Towpath 50, Towpath Trek, Freedom 5K, and Bike, Hike and Brew.

Product overview

The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition operates as a nonprofit organization managing a portfolio of trail development, recreation, and conservation programs focused on the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area. The core offering is the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, a multi-use recreational trail spanning over 90 miles. Supporting programs include the Towpath Companion interpretive guide, Summit Bike Share free bicycle system, and Canal Cleanups volunteer stewardship. The organization also manages the Akron Civic Commons initiative for public space redevelopment including Lock 3 Park and Summit Lake NorthShore Park. Annual signature events include the Huntington Towpath Century Ride, Cleveland Clinic Akron General Towpath 50, and various community programs like Adopt-A-Trail and the Towpath Times newsletter. The organization does not operate as a technology company and does not offer APIs, AI capabilities, or technical integrations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $300 million in public-private investments leveraged for canalway development under 32-year leadership
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

64 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• AccentureminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCanalway Trailblazer sponsor supporting the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition through annual event and program sponsorship as part of their community engagement initiatives.
• BridgestonecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCanalway Trailblazer sponsor and supporter of Canal Cleanups program. As a major Akron employer, Bridgestone supports trail development and environmental stewardship along the Towpath Trail.
• Goodyear Tire and Rubber CompanycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor of the Goodyear Towpath Trek and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor. Long-standing partner supporting trail development and recreational programming.
• Huntington BankcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor of the Huntington Towpath Century Ride, the organization's largest annual fundraiser which has raised over $1.8 million since 2009.
• PNC BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCanalway Trailblazer sponsor supporting trail development and organizational events as part of their community banking initiatives.
• Cleveland Clinic Akron GeneralcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor of the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Towpath 50 (50-mile bicycle ride event) and supporter of community health through recreational programming.
• Akron Children's HospitalcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerDonated $2.5 million to Akron Civic Commons Locks 2, 3 & 4 Play Loop project over three years, focusing on child and family wellness through public park development.
• FirstEnergy FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCanalway Trailblazer sponsor providing community support through corporate philanthropy extending their energy company service philosophy.
• Burgess & NipleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEngineering firm and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor supporting trail infrastructure development in northeast Ohio communities.
• GPD GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerArchitecture and engineering firm and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor. Led feasibility study for Rubber City Heritage Trail and provides design services for trail projects.
• Environmental Design GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional planning, design and engineering firm and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor. Developed renderings for Rubber City Heritage Trail vision and supports trail planning in Akron communities.
• Ernie's Bicycle ShopminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBicycle retailer in Massillon, New Philadelphia, and North Canton with Trailhead Canoe Livery. Sells Towpath Companion guides and supports local cycling community along the trail.
• City of AkroncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary municipal partner for Akron Civic Commons 2.0, Lock 3 Park redevelopment ($17 million), and Summit Lake Vision Plan. Technical assistance agreement for Adopt-A-Trail program and fiscal agent for trail projects.
• City of DoverminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal partner receiving $2,150,000 ODOT grant in partnership with OECC for Towpath Trail development connecting Dover's Canal Park to New Philadelphia Waterworks Park.
• City of New PhiladelphiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal partner receiving $2,172,780 ODOT grant in partnership with OECC for Towpath Trail development to Waterworks Park, including planned trailhead with bike/canoe/kayak rentals.
• Summit County GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOECC facilitates the Summit County Trails & Greenways grant program on behalf of Summit County, which has dedicated funding since 2002. County has contributed significantly to trail development with $1 leveraging $16 in additional investment.
• Tuscarawas County GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal partner receiving $640,000 ODOT grant in partnership with OECC. Collaborates with OECC on Tuscarawas County Trail & Green Space plan identifying 92 miles of trails and 400 acres of green space.
• EnbridgeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupports Canal Cleanups program and awarded $10,000 Enbridge Fueling Futures grant for Ohio & Erie Canalway Environmental Stewardship Program (November 2024-June 2025).
• CargillminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCanal Cleanups supporter and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor with global presence in food, agriculture, and sustainability initiatives.
• Canalway PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister organization focusing on development of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Cuyahoga County (northern region). Leads strategic decision-making, grant writing, and community outreach in Cleveland area.
• Akron RubberDucksminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMinor league baseball team and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor supporting Akron community through fundraising, education programs, and family events.
• Pro Football Hall of FameminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCanalway Trailblazer sponsor and 501(c)(3) educational institution promoting values of professional football, recently achieved American Alliance of Museums accreditation.
• EnvisionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlanning firm and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor that partnered with OECC to prepare the New Philadelphia Bicycle & Pedestrian Connectivity Plan.
• ArcadisminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGlobal engineering and design firm and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor ranked by Engineering News-Record as a top firm in infrastructure and environmental consulting.
• Summit Metro ParkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Akron Civic Commons initiative and trail connectivity planning. Contributes to regional trail network development connecting to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
• Akron Metropolitan Housing AuthorityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Akron Civic Commons 2.0 work to develop inclusive public spaces along the Canalway affecting housing authority communities.
• Summit County Public HealthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Summit Bike Share program supporting community health through accessible, eco-friendly transportation options in Summit County.
• Summit Cycling CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner operating Summit Bike Share through bike repairs and maintenance coordination. Tom Bennett serves as both Bike Share Coordinator for OECC and Executive Director of Summit Cycling Center.
• Summit Lake CDCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Development Corporation providing leadership in resident-led Akron Civic Commons 2.0 planning for Summit Lake neighborhood transformation.
• Apex SkinminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDermatology practice and title sponsor of the Apex Skin Towpath Freedom 5K, honoring veterans and commemorating Towpath Trail completion in Summit County.
• ms consultantsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEngineering, architecture, and planning firm and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor providing trail design services from urban trails to state parks.
• Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLPminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOne of the largest U.S. law firms and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor with Board Chair J. Bret Treier from their Akron office.
• Roetzel & AndressminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFull-service law firm with Ohio, Florida, and Chicago offices and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor committed to community service and philanthropy.
• Cohen & CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAccounting firm ranked 5th fastest growing in the country and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor supporting local communities where they operate.
• ReaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTop 100 business advisory and accounting firm and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor serving construction, government, and nonprofit industries.
• Meaden & MooreminorGTM or Marketing Partner100-year-old accounting and financial services firm and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor helping clients navigate financial landscapes.
• Spicer Group, Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCivil engineering, surveying, architecture, and planning firm and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor helping develop safe and sustainable communities.
• Hazen and SawyerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEnvironmental engineering firm and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor with multiple national awards for water engineering solutions.
• Cascade Auto GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAutomotive dealership group and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor committed to value and community service since 1969.
• Lucky ShoesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFamily-owned footwear retailer and sponsor of Healthy Steps step-tracking program encouraging wellness along the Towpath Trail.
• Energy HarborminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCarbon-free power producer and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor committed to ESG principles and clean energy transition.
• ARCOAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTechnology asset recovery firm and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor committed to environmental sustainability and zero landfill practices.
• Alpha Phi Alpha HomesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing organization and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor advocating for disadvantaged communities and establishing self-sufficient mixed-income housing.
• Chas. E. Phipps CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerConstruction supplier since 1921 and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor providing quality products and equipment to contractors.
• Cavanaugh Building CorporationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerConstruction firm and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor supporting building projects in northeast Ohio communities.
• Central GraphicsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom signage and graphics firm and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor serving businesses including Cleveland Cavaliers and University of Akron.
• H.M. Miller Construction CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFamily-owned construction company since 1972 and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor specializing in underground utilities in northeast Ohio.
• ThomariosminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNationally-ranked construction firm since 1948 and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor offering construction management, design-build, and historic restoration.
• Novatny ElectricminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOldest electrical contractor in Akron and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor providing commercial, industrial, and residential electrical services.
• Vizmeg LandscapeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLandscape architecture firm and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor contributing to trail aesthetics and green space development.
• Big Red PrintingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPrinting and graphics firm serving Akron area since 1997 and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor with 26 years of expertise in nonprofit sector.
• Blimp City Bike & HikeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBicycle retailer focused on customer education and service, supporting trail user community as Canalway Trailblazer sponsor.
• Eddy's Bike ShopminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBicycle retailer and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor selling and renting bikes, with proceeds supporting OECC mission.
• Harwick StandardminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTechnical sales organization for polymer industry since 1932 and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor committed to customer loyalty.
• Lauren InternationalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVertically integrated company and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor bringing innovations across multiple industries globally.
• Pearle Vision of MedinaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVision center and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor serving Medina County for over 30 years.
• Point Design GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDesign firm and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor contributing creative services to community projects.
• ProViaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLeading manufacturer of professional-class entry doors, windows, and building products and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor based in Sugarcreek, Ohio.
• ChemstressminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFull-service engineering and design firm and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor serving manufacturing and industrial clients.
• Zimmer BiometminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedical device company with Surgical division in Dover, Ohio and Canalway Trailblazer sponsor committed to advancing patient care.
• Akron/Summit CVBminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConvention and Visitors Bureau promoting Akron and Summit County as a destination for business and leisure travel, supporting heritage tourism along the Canalway.
• DupontminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupports Canal Cleanups program as part of environmental sustainability initiatives.
• Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation StudyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMetropolitan planning organization involved in Rubber City Heritage Trail feasibility study and transportation planning.
• The Well Community Development CorporationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCDC involved in Rubber City Heritage Trail planning to improve connectivity for East Akron and Middlebury neighborhoods.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Appalachian Trail Conservancy: National nonprofit stewarding a major long-distance trail. While at much larger scale and different geography, it shares OECC's model of trail stewardship, volunteer engagement, membership fundraising, and federal/state grant partnership.
• Trust for Public Land: National nonprofit focused on land conservation and creating parks and protected areas. Catherine Timko (incoming OECC CEO) previously served there, and TPL operates a comparable public-space development and urban park creation model at much greater scale.
• Rails-to-Trails Conservancy: National nonprofit focused on converting rail corridors into multi-use trails. Operates at significantly greater scale and broader geographic scope than OECC but shares the same core mission of trail development, advocacy, and public-private funding for linear recreation corridors.

Direct peers

• Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor: Federally designated National Heritage Corridor along New York's Erie Canal — directly comparable as a canal-based heritage corridor with similar stewardship, trail, and interpretation mission. Operates at a comparable scale and structure.
• Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor: Federally designated National Heritage Corridor in Pennsylvania following a historic canal and railroad route. Operates a comparable trail, heritage, and community development mission with similar public-private funding structure.
• Summit Metro Parks: Regional park district in Summit County that operates trails and parks directly adjacent to and connecting with the Towpath Trail. Closest local operating peer in terms of mission, geography, and visitor overlap.
• Canalway Partners: Sister nonprofit organization stewarding the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Cuyahoga County (Cleveland area). Operates under a coordinated regional model with OECC, making it the most direct comparable on mission, geography, and operating approach.

Regional players

• Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Adjacent federal national park with overlapping visitor base and trail network in Northeast Ohio. While federally operated and free to access, it competes for the same outdoor recreation and heritage tourism dollars in the Cleveland-Akron market.
• Conservancy for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Nonprofit fundraising and volunteer partner for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Operates in the same Northeast Ohio region with a comparable mix of membership, corporate sponsorship, event fundraising, and park stewardship.

Emerging players

• National Park Trust: National nonprofit focused on completing land acquisition for national parks and creating youth engagement programs. Comparable as a heritage/conservation nonprofit with a similar mix of capital campaigns, programming, and federal partnership.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights8 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/TowpathTrail
• Facebookfacebook.com/CanalwayCoalition
• Instagraminstagram.com/towpathtrail

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition