Northville and Wayne County’s near-$1 million trail to link town and country

A paved trail that will go past rivers, over wetlands, by an arboretum and into neighborhoods and downtown Northville is as close as ever to reality.After several years of planning and rounding up funding for the trail that will connect the City of Northville and Northville Township and also lead to Hines Park, the Rouge River, and beyond, Northville Township is seeking bids to complete the $950,000 project. Bids are due May 5.The trail begins north of Verona Lane and runs the along the east side of Sheldon Road, where a current trail ends. It follows Sheldon past the Bennett Arboretum and ends at 7 Mile, providing an outlet into downtown Northville.The Bennett Arboretum Pathway path is eight feet wide and 2,100 linear feet long and goes over hilly terrain, through woods and water, and will include a bridge, boardwalks, viewing platforms and educational components about water quality and such.”The goal is to get people involved in their natural resources,” says Jill Rickard, civil engineer for Northville Township. In addition, trail users could use it as a way to get to dinner or the farmers market, shops or work in downtown Northville.The project is being funded by a $450,000 grant from Wayne County’s Rouge Project Office and a $500,000 grant from Wayne County. The city and the township will split any additional costs.Source: Jill Rickard, civil engineer, Northville TownshipWriter: Kim North Shine