2010 - Clinton River Trail

The Annual Report of the Friends of the Clinton River Trail the
trailhead
june 2010
CLINTON RIVER TRAIL
W
elcome! Another season on the
Clinton River Trail! This annual report
provides information about the latest progress toward making the Clinton River Trail a
first-class trail.
You’ll find a lot of exciting news in this
issue. Both planning and construction for
long dreamed-of projects are taking place.
When complete, these projects will result in
filling the trail’s last remaining gaps. The day
is near when we will see a 100% completed
trail route for 16 miles of uninterrupted trail
through the midst of metro Detroit!
The mission of the Friends of the Clinton
River Trail (FCRT) is the same today as it was
a decade ago when the group began: the
vision of a trail that is a safe and enjoyable
recreational feature, an asset for community
well-being and economic development. Our
goal is a top-quality, world-class trail... used
day in-day out …as well as a ‘have-to ride’
for trail enthusiasts from across the metro
area. We want the Clinton River Trail to
have that “wow!” factor that makes a trail a
destination… one that people want to come
ride and enjoy time and again.
We like to hear from you! Nothing
pleases us more than to hear from trail users
with their ideas of how to make the trail
better. You can reach us via our website
(www.clintonrivertrail.org), email ([email protected]), or phone (248.342.8795).
We meet just about every month; meetings
are posted on the website, and open to
everyone. Enjoy the trail, and let us hear
from you.
Produced by
Friends of the
Clinton River Trail
Meetings last Tuesday of each month (check
web site for location)
www.clintonrivertrail.org
EXPERIENCE
I T T O D AY
Developing a World-Class Trail
FCRT Project Draws Inspiration From Near and Far
T
his year, FCRT is taking a big step toward our goal
of a truly memorable trail. We have initiated a major
design project to define what the trail needs to be
first-class… to go from being a good trail, to a great trail.
Thanks to your financial support, FCRT has squirreled away enough
money to pay for truly professional support. A team of consultants and
stakeholders are presently working to establish a consistent “look and
feel” for the Clinton River Trail and the various amenities along its length.
What benchmarks can we draw from the other trails around the
country? What do we want the trail to look like when we are done? What
role can the trail play in the health, well-being and economic vitality of
our communities? Where are the logical gateways to the trail, and what
should they look like? How can the trail connect with its downtown districts and nearby attractions? What wayfinding signage and design features
will provide the trail’s continuity through its diverse communities?
A design team of Landscape Architects & Planners, Inc. and the
Michigan State University Landscape Architecture Program is working to
answer those questions. With support from the Community Foundation of
Greater Rochester, Oakland County Planning & Economic Development
and the Royal Park Hotel, this design project is stirring the imagination of
continued on page 7
Connections: You CAN get there from here...
East is East and West is West and never the twain shall meet…
Apparently nobody ever told Rudyard Kipling about our Clinton
River Trail; the best connected trail in Oakland County—leading
to other interesting trails in all directions. Let’s take a look at how
you can extend your horizons on the CRT:
completed later this year.
East – Crossing Dequindre at the east end of the CRT you
will find yourself on the Macomb Orchard Trail, with about
12 miles of smooth pavement out past Romeo, and another
12 miles of limestone and gravel through Armada and on to
Richmond. What’s more, this is all part of a 70-mile trail loop
around Macomb County that is scheduled to be complete
within three years.
North – The Paint Creek Trail connects to the CRT via the
Downtown Rochester River Walk in—where else?—downtown Rochester. This is one of the best known rail trails in the
state, and the first to be developed. It leads you on a rural
route through Rochester and Oakland Township, ending in
Lake Orion. Soon to be connected from there is the Polly
Ann Trail, which continues north from Oxford through Leonard and on into Lapeer County.
South – There are no “official” trails connecting to the south
(yet), but just east of the Letica Road trailhead there is a well
used trail that leads across the Clinton River and on into the
bottomlands of Bloomer Park. You will find some interesting mountain bike trails there running along remnants from
the railroad and canal building eras, ending back at the river
across from Yates Cider Mill. Perhaps someday there will be a
bridge and trail leading on into Utica.
West – The CRT was part of the original Michigan Air Line
railroad route that was laid out in the late 1800s. This route
will eventually be part of a trail that will cross the entire Lower
Peninsula from Port Huron to South Haven. For now, the CRT
merges on the west with the existing West Bloomfield Trail just
past Sylvan Lake at Keego Harbor. That trail currently ends after
a few miles, but with just a couple of additions you will be able
to travel all the way to South Lyon. This section of the CRT will
have improved access when the bridge over Telegraph Road is
So as you can see, Kipling really did have it wrong: east,
west, north and south can meet at the Clinton River Trail to
give you almost limitless places to explore and extend your
hiking, riding, running, or walking adventures.
Progress for Detroit Trails and Greenways
nance program for greenways. This tried and true organization
for landscaping projects throughout the City is adding new
workers (green jobs!) for maintaining greenways. The Conner
Creek, Southwest Detroit, and Lyndon Avenue Greenways are
the first projects to implement this program.
• After years of sitting on a shelf, the Detroit master recreation
plan was approved by City Council, thus positioning Detroit
to receive Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund grants once
again for its parks and trails.
• A Detroit Nonmotorized Committee was formed; both an
internal group within the Department
of Public Works as well as an advisory
committee with greenway groups and
other partners. The advisory committee
meets quarterly to discuss nonmotorized
projects and concerns.
A “voice for nonmotorized” has been established and is inserting itself into many
road construction project discussions,
including the I-94 Freeway rehabilitation, Michigan Avenue, Fort Street, 2nd
and 3rd Avenues, and others. Detroit’s
Dequindre Cut, Detroit
greenways will be accessible via on-road
connections and they will be connected
While there may not be a lot of trails on the ground yet to
show the progress that has been made by the Detroit Greenways Coalition, the progress being made behind the scenes
is nothing short of a miracle. Since the Spring of 2008, when
Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance hired a Detroit
Greenways Coordinator and started the coalition, many
heads have been turned to making these greenways and their
connections happen. These are just some of the milestones
that have happened in the last year:
•
•
•
A Detroit Greenways Vision Brochure was developed and distributed, generating awareness of the goal
for a fully interconnected greenway
system of over 70 miles.
The Coalition developed a priority
ranking formula for the expenditure
of nearly $1 million in Kresge Foundation funds that had been awarded
for Detroit greenways in 2009,
which made a huge difference in
readying greenways for construction.
A partnership with Greening of Detroit was formed to begin a mainte-
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continued on page 7
2010
Trail Updates
Here’s a new trail vantage point—from the newly completed
parking area along the trail. The 48-space lot under Rochester
Road in downtown Rochester is easily accessible from Diversion Street. Future plans for this site even include a canoe
landing–the Clinton River is just south of this photo.
Trail Construction Progress in Pontiac
Phase II: Downtown section
The City of Pontiac completed construction of its Phase II section
of the Clinton River Trail in 2009. Phase II is a 1.2 mile sidewalkbased urban section from Bagley Street through the downtown
area terminating at northbound Woodward and M-59. Trail users
now have easy downtown access including the Phoenix Center
Amphitheater and the Pontiac Public Library. Check out the
website www.PontiacLive.com for information about summer
events downtown.
Phase III: Pedestrian Bridge over Telegraph Road
Pontiac has been awarded a $2.1 million stimulus grant through
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as well as $485,000
from the MDNRE to construct a pedestrian bridge over Telegraph Road. This bridge will complete a major link in the trail.
Construction will start in July and is expected to be complete by
November 2010.
Phase IV: Northbound Woodward & M-59 to Opdyke Road
Pontiac is preparing the design of the last link in the trail, the
section between the current Phase II terminus and the Auburn
Hills trailhead at Opdyke Road. Discussions are ongoing with
CN Railroad regarding potential acquisition of the north spur of
the railroad as is designated in the Clinton River Trail Master Plan.
Alternatives using land already under public ownership are also
being considered.
Temporary Route through Pontiac:
A temporary route through Pontiac on sidewalks is available to trail
users. East to west, trail users can go south from the trailhead at
Opdyke Road in Auburn Hills to South Boulevard, travel west on
South Boulevard to Bagley Street, then north on Bagley to the trail.
The new lot as viewed from Diversion St.
JOIN THE FRIENDS OF
THE CLINTON RIVER TRAIL
Follow FCRT on
Facebook & Twitter
membersh ip ap p lic atio n
FCRT is taking advantage
of social networking to
help grow the organization and raise awareness
of our goal to develop
this resource into a
world-class trail.
To that end, FCRT now
has a dedicated group
page on Facebook, which
offers the ability for members to upload photos, discuss trail
issues with others, and stay abreast of the latest trail news.
We also have a Twitter
account, offering timely
trail news and notifications of meetings and
events.
Search for us on Facebook,
and you can follow FCRT
on Twitter by looking for
our account, which is
“clintonrivtrail.”
There is no membership fee, however, donations are greatly appreciated and increase the effectiveness of our activities. All donations are tax-deductible through the Community Foundation of
Greater Rochester, a 501(c)(3) organization, which has exclusive
legal control over the contributed assets.
Name
Address
City/State/Zip
Phone
email
Donation: $10 $20 $50 $100 $200 other
(Circle one)
Credit Card:
Visa
MC Account #:
Signature:
Expires:
Make any checks payable to “Community Foundation—FCRT” and
mail to FCRT, PO Box 81971, Rochester Hils, MI 48308-1971.
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Friends of the Clinton River Trail: Fact Sheet
Friends of the Clinton River Trail: An all volunteer, non-profit citizen group with a membership of over
400 people from communities on, or near, the Clinton River Trail.
Mission Statement: A group of residents committed to the vision of a trail that is a safe and enjoyable
recreational feature for the communities through which it passes.
Goal: Have Clinton River Trail become a “World Class” trail – a recognized destination that spans five communities.
(Sylvan Lake, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Rochester Hills & Rochester)
Current Major Project: Developing a unique “Look & Feel” for the Clinton River Trail. By engaging a team of
professional landscape consultants, talented students from Michigan State University, and local city and county
stakeholders; the FCRT is working to establish a consistent look and feel for the trail. One task is to find a creative
balance between individual city’s needs for identification and the need to “brand” the trail as a singular entity for
maximum economic value. Consideration is also being given to the trail’s central role in regional trail systems.
Past and Present, On-going, Projects: FCRT maintains, sponsors, or coordinates:
Publish an Annual Report/Newsletter since 2006
The FCRT web site –
www.clintonrivertrail.org
A Memorial Bench
Program—six such
benches are on-trail
Printing of the official trail
map & filling map boxes.
The boxes were an Eagle
Scout project managed by
FCRT. Annually 12,500
maps are distributed
Annual Fall Classic Bike Ride.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
will be the 6th Classic with
200 participants expected
Mile markers
& map signs
installed along
the trail
National Trails Day, Earth Day Fest and
local retailer events to promote CRT,
Annual Membership Drive/Donation
Request... and more!
Advocacy to support building
the trail infrastructure
4
2010
FCRT
Steering
Committee
Members
Thanks to Our Donors and Supporters
FCRT is deeply appreciative of those who have contributed to furthering the
trail and are helping to establish it as a treasured recreational resource for
Southeastern Michigan.
2009 Fall Classic Ride Presenting Sponsors:
The Steering Committee of the Friends
of the Clinton River Trail is the “core
group” of volunteer activists through
which most of our endeavors take place.
Additional Sponsors:
Very little would get accomplished
without the hard work of these people.
In alphabetical order:
Betty Delaney
Claudia Filler
Linda Gamage
Doug Gordon
Judy Gordon
Chuck Hatch
John Hensler
Melinda Hill
Bill Hite
Dan Keifer
Pat Mullin
Trailways is produced by
the Friends of the Clinton
River Trail and is entirely
supported by member
contributions. This issue
includes articles and
photos by FCRT members
Claudia Filler, Doug
Gordon, John Hensler,
Dan Keifer, Fred Phillips,
Todd Scott, Ron Vogt,
John Zalewski and Mimi
Zwolak.
C O N TA C T U S :
www.clintonrivertrail.org
[email protected]
248.342.8795
Design and layout by:
Sunken Anchor media
www.sunkenanchor.com
Shirley Mullin
Dave Parker
Debbie Parker
Fred Phillips
Mark Pompetzki
Clint Spevak
John Tarantino
Ron Vogt
John Zalewski
Mimi Zwolak
American Cycle and Fitness
Dr. Paul VanRaaphorst, DDS
Genesys Credit Union
KLM Bike and Fitness
Meijer
POH Regional Medical Center
Rochester Bike Shop
Tepel Bros. Printing Co.
Yates Cider Mill
Honor Roll of 2009 Donors:
ATM Consulting Inc.
Brian & Elizabeth Bachynski
Christophe Baillet &
Marie-France Hubert
David Ball
Juliette Rogier & John Barlage
Rita Brittingham
Robert & Pamela Brooks
Steven & Crista Broutin
Henry & Joan Bryan
David & Karen Buice
Gerald & Clara Carvey
Vern & Nora Cascaddan
Clinton River Riders
Scott & Laura Colbert
Mark & Nancy Collins
Arthur Crawford
Mary Jane Croissant
Eric & Karole Davies
Betty Delaney
Douglas & Gretchen Denton
Eugene Diggs
Ronald & Marjorie Diliddo
Frank & Gertrude Dunlap Fund
Brian & Jill Dunphy
Cosmas Eaglin Jr
Ecountable
Steve & Loretta Farrow
Claudia Filler
Doug & Judy Gordon
Dennis & Sandra Grzych
Matthew Hackett
Mike Hartner
Chuck Hatch
Brian Heitman
Debbie Hendrickson
John Hensler
Melinda Hill
Neil & Eileen Hitz
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Greg & Jane Hooper
Mary & David Howarth
Richard & Carem Humes
Robert & Marilou Inman
Maxine & Gary Irons
Sheri & David Jaffa
Sidney & Priscilla Jones
Andrew Kahn
Dan & Heidi Keifer
Darren & Dina Khan
Leslie Landau
& Glendon Gardner
Barry & Regina Lawler
Pamela Page Lenhoff
& Alan Lenhoff
Judith Lindberg
Edward Lindow
Ted Lindstrom
Anthony & Lisa Lombardini
Robert & Margaret Loupee
Joan MacFarlane
Jan Mack
Nancy Madigan
Arlene Marcy
John & Nancy Marshall
Mark & Carla Marymee
Jeffrey McAtamney
Mary McGowan
Lisa Meils
Juozas & Ramune Mikaila
Thomas & Mary Miller
Lori Miller
Matthew Mong
Ann & Lawrence Moran
Pat & Shirley Mullin
John Musich
Mark & Grace Neiman
Barbara O’Brien & Barry Turett
Chandran & Jayanthi
Palanisamy
Richard & Michelle Pallas
Debbie & Dave Parker
Judy Perkins
Fred Phillips
Mark Pompetzki
Mark Poublon
James & Carol Ralston
Linda & Arthur Raschke
Mary Rentschler
Edward & Rita Robak
Thomas & Jane Rodgers
David & Leslie Rumohr
Rosemary & George Ryan
Stewart & E.J. Saks
Elinor Satawa
Gary & Anita Satkiewicz
James & Marilyn Schafer
Masood Siddiqui
Clinton Spevak
Mary Stoolmiller
Sandra Studebaker
Makram & Jane Talia
John Tarantino
Devan Thielfoldt
August Thoma
Ronald & Donna Vogt
James Walter
Pamela Wegner
Martha Windscheif
Ravi & Anitha Yalamanchi
Dorothy Zalewski
John Zalewski
Joan Zdan & Tanya Sue
Thomann
Mimi & Gene Zwolak
Events Along the Trail
The Friends of the Clinton River Trail can be found along the trail and
in our communities for several events each year. Here are just a few:
National Trails Day
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The Volkswagen Group of America Employee
Events Committee based in Rochester Hills
held a special “Jeans Day
Fundraiser” for the CRT
on May 20th. They
raised over $500 and
spent a few hours
cleaning up along the
trail filling several large
bags with trash from the
shopping mall on Adams Rd. Thanks VW!
We appreciate the help. To find out how your
group can help, call or email us using the
contact information on page five.
d
nte
We sold T-shirts, distributed maps, passed
out “save the dates” for our Fall Classic and
welcomed new members to our Friends
Group. We also collected over 100 entries
for our drawing for a free admission to the
Fall Classic Trail Ride. The winner is Teresa
Siavrakas of Rochester. Congratulations to
Teresa and her family who we welcome to
our Fall Classic Ride, 18 September 2010.
VW Does its Part
For FCRT & the Trail
prese
This April we participated in MI Earth Day
Fest in downtown Rochester on April 2325. FCRT constructed a prominent display within the Hike & Bike Section of the
exhibits. Hundreds of visitors stopped by to
chat, request information, obtain maps and
express interest in the Clinton River Trail.
It was wonderful to talk to them and share
their enthusiasm for the trail.
8, 2010 • the 6
1
t
er
to
li n
c
frien
e
ds of th
n
Michigan Earth Day Fest
septem
b
The
Brooksie Way
route includes
a stretch of
the CRT
You’ll find more info
about the 6th Annual
Fall Classic Ride on
the back cover...
2010
Detroit Trails from page 2
•
•
•
•
•
World-Class Trail from page 1
to each other via bike lanes or other safe accommodations!
Discussions continue with officials on the need for a nonmotorized connection to Canada, whether it be by water taxi or over
bridges. The first “Bike the Bridge” bike ride was established to
raise awareness of this need.
New greenway projects have been started with Gleaner’s Food
Bank, the Villages CDC, and Bridging Communities. Several
other existing greenway projects have been helped to get to
the next stage of readiness for development through technical
assistance and funding from the Kresge funds.
Economic stimulus funds were awarded to the Midtown Loop
and Conner Creek Greenway projects
The momentum created through the Detroit Greenways Coalition in combination with our “healthy food” partners has helped
to bring in new national funding: Detroit was one of nine communities awarded a 3 year Kellogg Food and Fitness Initiative
grant of $440,000–increasing access to healthy food and to
change the built environment to increase physical activity.
A $15,000 grant was announced by the national Bikes Belong
Coalition and REI, Inc. to help Detroit become a nationally
designated “Bicycle Friendly” community.
many stakeholders along the trail to imagine a “worldclass” trail with us.
Great ideas come from far-off places. FCRT members devote vacation time to visiting other trails across
the country and studying the ‘best practices’ of trail
design today. It’s how we get ideas to make the Clinton
River Trail better. We are members of the League of
Michigan Bicyclists (www.lmb.org) Rails-to-Trails, and
Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance (www.mtga.
org), all excellent advocates for trails/cycling and great
sources of learning better trail design and operation.
City Councils and Planning Commissions. Chambers of Commerce. Local businesses. Trail users like
you. The Clinton River Trail has many supporters
already…with this project, we hope the trail will have
more champions! Don’t be shy... share your ideas about
what would make the CRT world-class.
on the trail
And BEST OF ALL, there will be several significant miles of
Detroit greenways under construction this year: The Dequindre
Cut will be connected to the Detroit RiverWalk by way of the
Dequindre Trail. Work begins on Phase 1 of the Midtown Loop
from Kirby to John R, and the Corktown/Mexicantown Greenlink. Conner Creek Greenway will see bike lanes constructed
from St. Jean to Mack Ave. and the implementation of their
trail segment through Maheras Gentry Park. The “road diet”
portion of the Southwest Detroit Greenway (on West Vernor
from Livernois to Lansing St.) will also commence.
Recognize this sign?
(The editors of trailways would like to thank Todd Scott
and MTGA for contributing this article).
2011 Map Photo Contest
Take Your Best Shot!
Here is your opportunity to
get one of your best photos
taken along the Clinton River
Trail published. For 2011, FCRT
will be redoing
the “official” CRT
map. Completion
of the Telegraph
bridge, plus
results from the
“Look & Feel”
project, provides
impetus for a new design.
Additionally, the folks at
Oakland County, who provide
the GIS data and actual map
image, have new software
and would really like us to
upgrade soon.
If you do... slow down!
Visit the CRT website for
contest details, categories of photos
sought and full
submission requirements. Prizes? Well,
this isn’t that kind of contest;
but FCRT will publish the best
shots with a credit line.
Deadline for submission is
January 15, 2011.
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This sign, at the junction of
the CRT and the
Downtown Rochester
River Walk, not only leads
to the Paint Creek Trail,
but is also a blind intersection and a fantastic
opportunity to share some
common courtesy along
the trail... you never know
who might be zipping
around the corner!
Friends of the Clinton River Trail
PO Box 81971
Rochester Hills, MI 48308-1971
www.clintonrivertrail.org
the Clinton River Trail
FALL CLASSIC RIDE RETURNS SEPTEMBER 18
SAVE THE DATE!
the 6th
Saturday,
Each year Friends of the Clinton River
Trail, along with several sponsors,
present a fun, non-competitive ride
along the trail. This family friendly
event will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2010, a week earlier than
last year’s event.
September 18
L
FA
L
Several long-time members of FCRT
are often on hand during the ride.
The Fall Classic provides a unique
opportunity for riders to learn some
of the history of the trail as well as be
able to talk directly with those who
are shaping its future.
E
CLI
N
IV
N R ER T
O
T
IL
RA
The event provides an opportunity
for riders to experience the trail in a
different context than normal. Riders
are free to travel a distance comfortable for themselves and return to the
start location for lunch. Marked routes
and maps for distances of 5, 16, 19 and
40 miles will be available, as is support
for minor bike adjustments, plus a rest
stop along the route.
CL
ID
From the Friends of
A S SIC
R
annual
Ride 5 to 40
miles—
or longer!
Starts and
ends in
auburn
hills—
plus lunch!
visit
www.clintonrivertrail.org
and sign up!
it’s fast, easy and secureRegistration opens July 1
FCRT is estimating 200 riders will
participate. You’ll find registration
information to your right.
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