Inspiring Health Through Play
Connex is a non-profit group dedicated to the development of activity routes throughout Portsmouth and the surrounding community. The group’s mission, “to inspire activities of play, exercise, and social connections to promote health and wellness,” aligns with the health and economic development challenges of the Portsmouth community. Ideally, the routes will connect key destinations such as parks, entertainment, historical sites, hospitals, shopping, and beyond. The collaborative efforts of Connex align with collateral projects underway with city government, the Scioto County Health Coalition, and the Southern Ohio Port Authority.
Shawnee Recreation Trail, Inc. (SRT), a non-profit organization since 2006, was created to develop bicycle trails in Scioto County and the Portsmouth area. The group led a successful community-wide fundraising campaign, raising nearly $45,000 toward a project intended to create a route from Portsmouth to Earl Thomas Conley Park in West Portsmouth. The proposal was positively received but some access issues rendered the project unsuccessful. Several remaining SRT Board members, Jeff Smith, Esther Downey, and Barb Bradbury renewed route development efforts in April, 2013. The newly formed group went through a renaming and re-organizational process and is now known as Connex.
Connex’s goals are multifaceted and center on improving the economic viability, recreational activities, and health of the Portsmouth community. The group’s primary objectives include:
Promote tourism and access along the riverfront specifically extending from Alexandria Point to Spartan Stadium and again from Alexandria Point to Earl Thomas Conley Park in West Portsmouth
Encourage support for businesses “along the route” by providing cyclists, runners, and walkers safe routes with appropriate signage and amenities such as maps, water, bike racks, etc.
Provide evidence of Portsmouth’s transformation into a bicycle-friendly, health conscious and forward-thinking community
The future is wide-open! Connex has created many long-term concepts for bike and activity routes throughout the region. Please share your contact information to stay informed, “like” the Portsmouth Connex Facebook page, volunteer, or make a contribution to the project.
Our Mission: To inspire activities of play, exercise, and social connections to promote health and wellness.