Say the words Ann Arbor and one of the first words that normally pop into someone's head is "parks." Michigan's "Tree Town" known for its abundance of parkland and recreation options is expanding on that reputation this summer, purchasing parkland and installing more bike paths.
The city bought 2.5 acres adjacent to Eberwhite Woods from Zion Lutheran Church for $580,000 from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage, commonly known as the city's Greenbelt program. The acreage, on the city's west side bordered by Liberty Street and Eberwhite School, will be incorporated into Eberwhite Woods as a natural area.
The city is also preparing to undertake more bike lane and trail projects within the next year. The City Council approved building a 10-foot wide asphalt path along the north side of Washtenaw Avenue between Glenwood and Toumy roads near County Farm Park for non-motorized traffic.
The idea is to create a safe, convenient and comfortable environment for bicyclists and pedestrians along the heavily traveled corridor. This path will connect to existing sidewalk systems that enabling users to safely access AATA buses, downtown and the commercial corridor to the east. Construction is set for next spring.
City officials are also looking at installing bike lanes on several neighborhood streets on the Old West Side neighborhood later this summer. The streets include First and Ashley streets between William and Miller streets, Ann Street between First and Glen Street and Miller and Catherine streets between First and Ingalls streets.
Ann Arbor has made significant strides in establishing a comprehensive system of bike lanes and trails throughout the city. The idea is to encourage more non-motorized traffic in the city, such as the Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society, thus helping ease congestion and pollution.
Source: City of Ann Arbor
Writer Jon Zemke
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