Getting around Redford Township will become much easier for pedestrians and bicyclists now that local officials are working on a plan to add more than seven miles of cycling and walking trails.
The project, expected to take five years to complete, will create a ring of trails around the township's downtown and through it, connecting a number of major institutions, such as schools, parks and businesses. A cost-estimate for the project has not been established yet, but the first phase, to be built this year, is expected to cost at least $200,000.
This first phase will be built around Lola Valley Park between 5 Mile Road and Beech Daly. Subsequent phases will connect to and be built around large sections of the Bell Creek County Park and the Western Golf & Country Club. Bike lanes will also be added in to Kinloch Street to bisect the trail.
The trails will connect a number of population centers, such as downtown, Graham Field, St. Valentine School, Bulman School, Hilbert Middle School, the Rouge River and Glenhurst Golf Course.
Township officials hope the new trail network will provide residents with more options for getting around, make it safer for non-motorists to travel, bring in more business to local retailers and bring more users to local parks and recreation facilities. Township officials expect to pay for the improvements with a combination of township, county and state money.
Source: Michael Dennis, community development director for Redford Township
Writer: Jon Zemke
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