Van Buren Township officials have “saddled up.”
A new road and walking path, known as the saddle was constructed in the township this summer and officially opened last week. The path provides easier accessibility to the portion of the Iron Belle Trail which runs through Van Buren along with 48 other counties in the state.
“We're excited to have the Iron Belle Trail go right through Van Buren Township,” stated Public Services Director Matthew Best. “We've been working on this project for six years and couldn't have completed it without the support of Wayne County.
Township officials opened the new path during a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week.
“The new trail and roadway help to provide access to Van Buren Park and the Iron Belle Trail,” commented Township Director of Community Services Elizabeth Renaud. “The path was designed with everyone in mind, so we will be able to walk or roll over it for years to come!”
The saddle is a portion of the road in Van Buren Park, connecting the front and back loops. It was completely reconstructed with help from Wayne County, in partnership with the Davenport Brothers of Belleville. The saddle is just a small portion of the Iron Belle Trail.
“Not only will the Iron Belle Trail run through Van Buren Park, but it will also extend into Riggs Park and the Lower Huron MetroPark,” said Director of Recreation Jennifer Zaenglein. “This means residents and visitors will be able to enjoy and experience the beauty of not just one, but two Van Buren Township parks along the route.”
The Iron Belle Trail is a State of Michigan initiative that extends more than 2,000 miles from Ironwood, in the far western tip of the Upper Peninsula, to Belle Isle in Detroit.
“Projects like these would not be possible without local partnerships,” said Van Buren Township Supervisor Kevin McNamara. “We're thankful for Wayne County and the DNR for helping us improve the trail and very excited that the hiking trail goes right through Van Buren Township.”
Funding from this project was provided by Wayne County and Van Buren Township. For additional information about the Iron Belle trail visit vanburen-mi.org or michigan.gov/Iron Belle.
