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OU Homecoming Parade To Follow New Route In Fall
By: Fred Kight
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Ohio University President Roderick McDavis has approved a new homecoming parade route that avoids several bars on Court Street where alcohol-related problems have occurred in the past.
The decision was announced Thursday and follows a recommendation by a committee of University and Athens officials.
The new route will take effect with the next homecoming parade in October.
It starts on Factory Street, goes to Union Street, Court Street, Park Place, University Terrace, and ends at the Ping Center on campus.
Discussion of a new route began after Athens City Council and others expressed concern about the safety of the current route.
"Homecoming is a special community event and I am very pleased a solution was found that will help ensure safety for parade participants and parade-goers," said McDavis.
"We believe the new route will be just as lively and fun as the old route for spectators, but safer," said Athens Mayor Paul Wiehl.
Athens city officials say the new route will help them better control the crowds because streets on the new route are wider and there will be more room for temporary fencing near major intersections.