Expanding West Michigan Trails
Join us in our continued efforts to connect our communities to the trails!
Proposed Trail Connections
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Leonard to Ann Street Trail Connection
The City of Grand Rapids is completing a trail segment between Leonard and Ann Streets, connecting the City’s river trail system to Riverside Park. Completing this section will connect downtown Grand Rapids to more than a hundred miles of regional destination trails. Once completed, residents and visitors will have a safe pathway to engage in the river environment.
This portion of the trail is difficult to complete because of the complexities of the surrounding infrastructure. The project includes three costly trail underpasses at Ann Street, Leonard Street, and a railroad to provide safe passage through these dangerous intersections. Doing so will provide a more family friendly and safe trail for all to enjoy. Additionally, the trails will be lined with overhead lighting, providing safety and security for pedestrians.
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White Pine Trail
WMT is also working with partners to raise public and private funds to pave a 7 mile stretch of the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park from the Kent County line at Sand Lake, through Pierson Township, to Howard City. This project advances the regional goal of a paved trail extending from Grand Rapids to Cadillac, leaving just 22 miles of the 93-mile trail to be paved. The project also builds momentum toward completing the remaining unimproved trail portions.
When completed, the White Pine Trail will attract bicycle tourists and events to the region. Paving the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park is a high priority of the cities and townships along the trail that anticipate increased tourism to the region and a higher quality of life for residents because of the trail enhancement.
Budget Overview
The total budget for these two trail connections and campaign costs is $9.05 million. After commitments and expectations from federal, state, and local government entities, WMT has launched a capital campaign to raise $4 million for these projects.
Fred Meijer White Pine Trail Plan
Paving 7 miles, from Kent County line at Sand Lake to Howard City
Leverage momentum to pave remaining 22 miles of unimproved trail between Howard City and Big Rapids
When completed, the 93-mile White Pine Trail will be a destination trail attracting tourism and events, and benefit residents along its length
Leonard to Ann Street Plan
The City of Grand Rapids is completing a trail segment between Leonard and Ann Streets, connecting the City’s trails to Riverside Park and hundreds of miles of regional trails – including the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail
A complicated and unique trail project three trail underpasses at Ann Street, Leonard Street, and the railroad to provide safe passage; overhead lighting; and other elements making the trail safe and enjoyable for all
Please join us.
Over the years, we’ve worked hard to bring our diverse West Michigan communities closer to nature and each other. We’ve focused on developing the big picture of what’s needed for our regional trails, and we have a history of working hard alongside our strategic partners.
We do this because we know building connections is about more than just pavement and building materials. It’s about our communities, our economies, and our visitors. It’s about journeying together and being present in the moment. It’s about bringing cities and cultures together. It’s about giving everyone the accessibility to come together and experience all our beautiful West Michigan natural resources have to offer.