My hometown of Northville Township and the City of Northville were officially brought together as one community when the Bennett Arboretum Pathway’s ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Wednesday, Nov. 16.
Despite the very cold weather, residents from both towns, as well as many City and Township officials, showed their excitement for the trail by gathering around on the pathway’s newly constructed bridge on the corner of Sheldon Road.
Several speeches were made in anticipation of Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano using a pair of overly large scissors to cut the official ribbon.
“We supported this project from the beginning, and we feel lucky that the Township feels the same. It would not have happened without Township support and leadership, and we truly value their cooperation,” said James Gallogly, the City of Northville Public Works Director, at the ceremony.
After introducing myself as a MSU journalism student to Donald Weaver, the Director of Public Services for Northville Township, he explained that although the pathway was an expensive project, costing nearly $1,010,000, quite a few contributors helped provide the necessary funds.
Wayne County funded $500,000, the Rouge Program Office provided a $450,000 grant, Northville Township funded $50,000, and the City of Northville supplied $10,000.
As I interviewed more officials and residents, it was made clear that a new nature trail was worth the large price tag because, unlike a playground, it can be used by many people.
Dr. Christine Vogt, an MSU professor and expert in parks and recreation, has done research showing that people of all ages and abilities access natural trails.
Even though the Bennett Arboretum Pathway has only been open to the public for a few weeks, one can notice this wide variety of users after just one bike ride or evening walk through the trail.
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