Advertisement

Lapeer County Parks plans to join the trail by purchasing seven acres adjacent to the Dryden Township park. The majority of the acquisition will be backed by a grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. Its board has recommended approval to Gov. Jennifer Granholm. She is expected to forward a funds appropriation request to the Legislature.

Currently those on the trail have to walk about one-quarter mile on Casey Road to access the park. The new plans provide a direct link.

"The park will be a destination point for trail users," said Lapeer County Parks Director Ken Elwert. "There will be a legal place to park their vehicles. The trail head will be a place to stop and have lunch. There are restrooms and bike racks."

Those on the Polly Ann Trail will likely add to county revenue once they discover the water park and rented picnic shelters at General Squier Park.

"This project will eventually provide a safe, legal place for people to access the trail, and also provide trail users a chance to visit General Squier Park and enjoy the beautiful county facilities," Elwert said in a press release. "Walking is the number one recreation activity in the nation and it is important that we provide safe access to as many opportunities as possible for the health benefits and tourism that comes from using recreation facilities."

Elwert, his staff, and the Polly Ann Trail Friends have been pushing toward the goal since last year. The project has been in the Park Master Plan for about a decade. Many communities, groups, and individuals supported the project through letters, including State Sen. Jud Gilbert and State Rep. John Stahl.

The MNRTF board chose Lapeer as one of 65 recreation projects after considering 153 applications.

The estimated cost of the General Squier Park land acquisition is $98,500, with $58,500 coming from MNRTF, another $20,000 from the DNR Forest, Minerals, and Fire Management Division, $10,000 from Lapeer County, and $10,000 from the Friends of the Polly Ann Trail.

The Peacock family of Dryden has agreed to split the land from 17 acres they own. If all proceeds as planned, the property purchase will take place in the fall. Elwert hopes to begin clearing a pathway the following year.

Susan Younger may be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8122 or susan.younger@lapeergroup.com