Our History

A Walk Down WMT’s Memory Lane

On the site of West Michigan’s earliest rail-trail, a train west of Alamo on what will become the Kal-Haven Trail.
Fred Meijer had a tremendous impact on the West Michigan trail network. Pictured is a statue of Fred on the Fred Meijer Pioneer Trail in front of Meijer headquarters on Walker Road. Sitting next to him is Tom Byle who has also played a major part in our local trails.
Early West Michigan Trails & Greenways board and staff, left to right: Dennis Kneibel, Phil Van Noord, Carolyn Kane, Dave Heyboer, Tom Anderson, Peter Deboer, Jeffery Mitchell, and Brian Hauenstein.
Fred Meijer Millennium Park Trails, one of the six trails that started WMTGC.
Fred Meijer M-6 Trail, one of the six trails that started WMTGC.
Fred Meijer Kenowa Trail, one of the six trails that started WMTGC. Shown here on the right is board member Roger Tuuk with friends stopping for ice cream during the 2016 Michigander Bicycle Tour.
Fred Meijer Standale Trail, one of the six trails that started WMTGC. Shown here is then board chair, Dennis Kneibel overseeing construction of one of the long board walks and later riding on it after completion.
Fred Meijer Berry Junction Trail, one of the six trails that started WMTGC. Shown here is the ribbon cutting in August 2018 for the final section – a long-awaited completion.
Fred Meijer Pioneer Trail, one of the six trails that started WMTGC. Arial shot overlooking the final section along West River Drive connecting the Pioneer Trail to the White Pine Trail. Construction in 2019.

We began and remain, a small grassroots core group of individuals representing the region. We have a dedicated Board of Directors, who are individually engaged in the trails network projects, who promote the trails’ best interests, and oversee good stewardship of funds. We currently hold Executive Board meetings monthly, along with multiple events to connect with trail builders, leaders and supporters.

Our purpose continues to be that of addressing the regional trails network. We are committed to developing a non-motorized, linked-trail system that serves to connect community-to-community, city-to-countryside; a trail network that helps protect habitats and natural areas, and provides alternative transportation options to reach the parks, historic landmarks, cultural sites, and civic destinations throughout West Michigan. We believe that by connecting our communities and rural areas, we can reconnect with each other, and build something sustainable for future generations to enjoy.

WMTGC helps to create new trails groups, consults on the trail-building process, and assists with the development of regional trails throughout West Michigan. We partner with a number of foundations and other like-interest partners and organizations to help provide an environmentally positive learning and recreational experience, while helping to preserve green spaces, wildlife habitats, and the fragile pristine areas of West Michigan that are so unique to our region. We serve as a resource, consultant, advocate, liaison and developer for grassroots trail groups and communities wishing to establish a trail and/or trail system in their area. We work with state & local governments, foundations, corporate partners and private donors to find funding and manage a realistic plan for the development and maintenance of trails.