Last week, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board recommended nearly $10 million to improve outdoor recreation and protect natural resources in the region. Southeast Michigan will receive $6.3 million to acquire more than 800 acres of new parkland and $3.1 million to develop parks and trails.
Clinton River Park Trail
The awarded projects increase the connectivity of regional trails, provide greater access to parks, and enhance recreation opportunities along the region’s waterfronts. By increasing public access to waterways and improving the connectivity of the green infrastructure and trail networks, these investments will further implement SEMCOG’s Green Infrastructure Vision, Bicycle and Pedestrian Travel Plan, and Access to Core Services report.
Dodge Park, Sterling Heights
Projects receiving funds and improving the region’s parks and recreational opportunities include:
- $6.1 million to acquire over 800 acres of new parkland
- Monroe County – 680 acres for a new state game area to provide hunting and fishing opportunities in an area identified as having low access to such resources.
- Oakland Township – 209 acres for the Stoney Creek Ravine Nature Park Expansion.
- Novi – 12.5 acres for the ITC Regional Trailhead Park, which will enhance connectively and access to the ITC Corridor Trail, Maybury State Park, and ITC Community Sports Park.
- $1.35 million for five projects to enhance and develop the Iron Belle Trail in Oakland, Macomb, and Washtenaw Counties
- Shelby Township – trail construction through River Bends Park, matched with $276,518 in SEMCOG TAP funds.
- Orion Township – trail construction for a phase connecting the Polly Ann Trail to the Clinton River Trail.
- Oakland Township/Paint Creek Trail-ways Commission – renovation of a pedestrian bridge to a multi-use bridge on the Paint Creek Trail to improve the accessibility of all users.
- Washtenaw County – construction of the Border-to-Border Trail between the cities of Dexter and Ann Arbor; and acquisition of the Norfolk & Western Railway for trail easement in Ypsilanti Township.
- $1.06 million to grow the region’s blue economy
- Chesterfield Township – improvements to Weber Paddling Park to provide canoe and kayak access to the Salt River and Lake St. Clair.
- Port Huron – improvements to Pine Grove Park including a scenic overlook and public access to the St. Clair River.
- St. Clair – development and replacement of 1,300 feet of the Palmer Park Boardwalk along the St. Clair River.
- Washtenaw County – development of a 0.5-acre park along the River Raisin to include a trail-head, canoe/kayak launch, fishing pier, and boardwalk.
- $900,000 to expand the regional trail network and increase pedestrian and bicycle access to parks and natural areas
- Ann Arbor Township – development of a multi-use trail from the University of Michigan’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens to the Border-to-Border Trail, matched with $726,229 in SEMCOG TAP funds.
- Wayne County – development of the Hines Park to Ann Arbor Trail Connector trail, matched with $504,102 in SEMCOG TAP funds.
- Washtenaw County – development of 4.7 miles of the Huron Waterloo Loop trail-way.
These projects support and enhance the region’s natural resources by providing the spaces for families to recreate – whether on foot, bike, kayak, or fishing boat; and opportunities to enjoy and have access to the wonders of our outdoors.
Congratulations to our members for these awards!
SEMCOG continues to provide parks and recreation services, including providing input on Natural Resources Trust Fund Applications. We encourage you to take advantage of these member benefits!
Belle Isle playscape, Detroit
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