Although a majority of the Northville Township and Northville City residents have supported the Bennett Arboretum Project since the beginning of its construction three years ago, there may be some people who are unsure of all of the benefits it brings to the community.
According to Joanna Vaghy, the Interim Director for Northville Parks and Recreation, the pathway is worth it's large price tag because of many safety, economic, educational, and recreational reasons.
When it comes to safety, Donald Weaver explained that pedestrians previously walked along the edge of the very busy Sheldon Road because a designated pathway that connected the Township and the City did not exist.
This was hazardous because people were at risk of getting hit by passing cars.
In addition to the pathway increasing the safety of pedestrians, this nature trail is thought to help the community economically as well.
"On summer evenings or on Saturday afternoons, families in these new subdivisions can now walk or ride their bicycles into Downtown Northville as a new destination point to get an ice cream cone or something to eat. The businesses in our downtown should see an increase in their sales as a result,” said James Gallogly.
As if these benefits weren't important enough to attract local residents' support, educational markers are included throughout the pathway, designed to help inform the public about the surrounding nature, wetlands, and plant life.
People can stop and read these educational markers while they engage in their favorite recreational activity, whether it involves running, walking, rollerblading, or biking.
Pathways, such as this one, are great for all of these activities, said Dr. Christine Vogt.
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