Butler County Park and Blueway Trail Dedication

Mon, 06/12/2017 - 2:29pm — Diane Dyer

What started in 1974 as eight acres, formerly Green River Lock and Dam #4, has grown to 26 acres, the Green River Museum, and two boat ramps on the north and south side of the blueway on the Green River. Known as the Butler County Park, the dedication ceremony was held on June 3rd.

Local author and historian Roger Givens welcomed everyone; the Butler County Boy Scout Troop 208 presented the colors followed by the playing of the National Anthem by the Butler County Middle School members. Morgantown Community Church Pastor Josh Scott gave the opening prayer.
"There has been a great deal of work that has taken place over the years that brings us to this dedication today," said Butler County Judge Executive David Fields, in his remarks.
Fields introduced Russ Clark of the National Park Service.

" Judge Fields was the champion to get the water trail planning process in motion," said Clark.
Fields approach Clark in 2011 about making the Green River a blueway trail. After several meetings, a lot of leg work, and a tour of Butler County in 2013 a plan was developed.
Clark shared several facts about the Green River:

384 miles

a tributary of the Ohio River

home to 150 species of fish and 70 species of mussel

most biologically diverse branch of the Ohio River System

traverses through 15 counties, ten communities and Mammoth Cave National Park

locks and dams were built from the mid-1800's to the early 1900's for commercial shipping

Today the river and its tributaries are the life blood of 630,000 people living in the river basin providing drinking water, fishing, motor boating, canoeing, and kayaking.
"Congratulations to everyone who has followed and supported the vision to create these great recreation assets for the future generations of Butler County," said Clark.