Ypsilanti's portion of the Washtenaw County Border to Border walking and bicycling trail will be highlighted as part of National Trails Day on Saturday, June 1.
Guided walks and information will be on display from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and events will take place at the Water Street trail parking area on Michigan Avenue, immediately east of the Michigan Avenue bridge across the Huron River.
The border to border trail will run through a portion of the Water Street property pictured here on Friday, May 3.
Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com
National Trails Day is a project of the American Hiking Society, an organization dedicated to preserving trails and the areas that surround them. This event is now in its 21st year of and celebrates the trail system, both urban and wilderness.
Locally, the guided walks will be given by staff of the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission and the Friends Of The Border To Border Trail.
The Border To Border Water Street Trail segment is an urban trail in Ypsilanti that follows the Huron River.
This segment, while currently having a surface of wood chips and stone, is expected to be paved by 2014 using Michigan Land Trust Fund and Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission grants.
Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation on March 27 awarding a $300,000 grant to Ypsilanti from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund grant program to go toward the Border to Border Trail project that will run through the city's Water Street property.
Ypsilanti's funding will be used to construct a multi-use trail, plaza, fishing pier, Huron River overlook, signage and site amenities. The city believes the enhancements will attract bikers, walkers, strollers and joggers to the area.
The entire project is estimated to cost about $592,000. The city already received a $289,400 trust grant that also will go toward the Border to Border Trail project.
The pedestrian bridge will cross from Riverside Park to a corner of the Fischer Honda dealership parcel on the east side of the Huron River. The city recently approved a $31,500 purchase of access easement with the Fischer Honda dealership, allowing them access to a piece of property.
Katrease Stafford covers Ypsilanti for AnnArbor.com.Reach her at katreasestafford@annarbor.com or 734-623-2548 and follow her on twitter.