Now, public input is sought on a new plan for those trails, with the goal of making them better for everyone.
The 185-acre park has belonged to Garfield Township since 1993. And ever since, there’s been a bit of a free-for-all in these woods — where hikers, bikers, and birders share the space.
“There has never been a plan for this particular park,” said John Sych, planning director for Garfield Township. “All the trails here have been here for decades, and were things that just occurred.”
At a public open house on Wednesday, Sych said the existing trails have caused erosion problems, and conflicts between trail users. He said assessing current conditions and designing a new trail system could help alleviate those conflicts.
“Whether you’re out there foraging for berries or out there mountain biking, those uses are going to stay in place,” Synch said.
What is going to change is the location and layout of those trails. The township has hired a local environmental consulting firm as well as Rock Solid, a Copper Harbor-based company specializing in bike trails.
The final open house will take place in late September, with the goal of gathering public input before moving forward. Construction is expected to begin next year.
