Pepper Pike extends Gates Mills Boulevard Trail

Second phase of popular walking path set to open this summer

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Pepper Pike, Ohio, is moving forward with the second phase of its Gates Mills Boulevard Trail, which will extend the 10-foot-wide asphalt multipurpose path from the Lander Road/Fairmount Circle to the city's border with Mayfield Heights at Cedar Road. The first phase of the trail, which opened in 2025, runs from Shaker Boulevard to Lander Road. City officials say the trail has been enthusiastically utilized by residents and will provide an attractive gateway into the city.

Why it matters

The Gates Mills Boulevard Trail is a key community amenity that promotes outdoor recreation, connectivity, and green space in Pepper Pike. The extension of the trail will provide nearly an additional mile of path for residents to enjoy, building on the success of the initial phase.

The details

The second phase of construction will begin in March, with bids awarded in April and the path completed before the end of the summer. The trail will feature 10-foot-wide asphalt paths, with a 5-foot-wide sidewalk around the Lander Road/Fairmount Circle. Small mounding and additional landscaping, including potentially a small arboretum, will be added along the route. The estimated $1 million cost for the second phase will be partially covered by a $500,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

  • The first phase of the Gates Mills Boulevard Trail opened in June 2025.
  • The second phase of construction will begin in March 2026.
  • Bids for the second phase will be awarded in April 2026.
  • The second phase is expected to be completed before the end of summer 2026.

The players

Don Sheehy

Pepper Pike City Engineer who provided details on the second phase of the trail project.

Richard Bain

Mayor of Pepper Pike who officially opened the first phase of the Gates Mills Boulevard Trail in 2025.

MKSK

The landscape architecture firm that designed the scenery for the first phase of the trail and will do the same for the second phase.

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What they’re saying

“This is an exciting extension of the existing linear park and will provide nearly an additional mile of Trail. The first phase has been very enthusiastically utilized by our city's residents and it provides, along with this final piece, a beautiful gateway into the city, as well as a terrific amenity for our residents to get outside and enjoy.”

— Richard Bain, Mayor (cleveland.com)

“The circle is not a great spot for bicycles or pedestrians to cross. I think it's a huge safety issue -- something that's pleasant to look at, but I don't really want to encourage people to go out and hang out (in the circle).”

— Don Sheehy, City Engineer (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The city will seek bids for the second phase of construction in March, with the goal of having the path completed before the end of summer 2026.

The takeaway

The extension of the Gates Mills Boulevard Trail in Pepper Pike demonstrates the city's commitment to providing high-quality outdoor recreation and green spaces for its residents, building on the success of the initial phase and creating an attractive gateway into the community.