The new Paint Creek Trailways Recreation Master Plan will bring improvements to every community along the trail, including Orion Township, through 2008.
Paint Creek Trailways Coordinator Kristen Myers said the trailway has already been developed, so features in the new master plan will focus primarily on “cultural improvements” along the trail, such as art projects and educational enhancements.
“We’re also focusing on connectivity, such as with the Clinton River Trail and the Polly Ann Trail,” Myers said. “Other elements of the plan include restroom facilities, additional parking and education.”
A public hearing took place at the Paint Creek Trailways Commission’s October meeting, and Myers said suggestions made regarding historical markers for sites along the trail was integrated into the master plan.
“We want to tell people something about the history of certain spots on the trail,” Myers said. “We will also try to acquire historic resources related to the transportation theme of the trail. We’ve put that in every year (of the plan) as an option because we never know when something will come up.”
Also put into every year of the plan’s four years are acquisition of additional parking and trail access, including “interpretive side trails” development.
“We’d like to get one restroom facility in each community eventually,” Myers said. A facility is planned for Orion Township in 2006.
The trailways commission is also currently meeting with area parks and recreation directors regarding resurfacing the trail.
“We’ll also be replacing our emergency access gates, because they always freeze up in the winter,” said Myers.
Most of the master plan’s components have been written with the application for a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant in mind.
“But that doesn’t stop us from going to local sources,” Myers said. “We plan to make it one of our goals to apply for some type of grant every year.”
The new master plan must be filed with the state by the end of December in order to be eligible for funds for next year. The commission has tried to make the new document as easy to read as possible.
“There is a lot of history of the trail included in it,” she said. “Safety is also an issue (in the plan), and we need to remain vigilant and keep in communication with our local law enforcement.” Myers encourages anyone who sees illegal or questionable activity going on on the trail to contact her office at (248) 651-9260.
“The safety of our users is top priority,” she added.
Another priority throughout the master plan process, which began in March, has been keeping costs as low as possible.
“We’re real cognizant of taxpayer’s money,” said Myers. “Our budget is only maybe $90,000.”