If all goes according to plan, Dexter will boast the first part of its Border to Border trail this fall.
Most of the construction of the trail that is planned to span Washtenaw County has been focused in the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area, but Dexter plans to build its first 800-foot segment this fall with a concrete path, bridge over Mill Creek, and elevated boardwalk, says Dexter community development manager Allison Bishop. Pending receipt of a Michigan Department of Natural Resources
permit, the go-ahead will be given.
Bishop hopes the trail will positively impact Dexter's economic development, as eventually it will connect to a subdivision with about 250 homes and no current direct walking access to downtown. "We think it's going to be a major trailhead for biking and walking," she says. "How great to go for a short walk, or a long walk, and then end up back downtown where you can go have dinner."
The second phase, 400 feet of elevated boardwalk through
floodplains and wetlands, is due to be constructed next summer. Eventually, it will connect to Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority hike-bike trails and Dexter's own Mill Creek Park, creating that area's own network of non-motorized trails.
"We're really improving access to the Mill Creek corridor," Bishop says. "It's currently not accessible to anyone for recreation."
She's also hopeful the focus on parks will bring more of the boating community to the area -- Mill Creek park, especially. "It's going to start to become an activity and recreation hub for Dexter, and bring more people downtown," she says.
The Border to Border Trail will span Washtenaw County, roughly following the Huron River for 35 miles.
The Dexter portions of the trail are expected to cost right around $1 million; the village hopes to contribute its $450,000 in federal transportation funding, which could be available as early as next October. "We're happy about it and we want to support it," Bishop says.
Source: Allison Bishop, community development manager for the village of Dexter
Writer: Kristin Lukowski
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