ANN ARBOR, MI – Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission (WCPARC) would like to thank the voters of Washtenaw County for supporting the Roads and Non-Motorized Millage: 2021 – 2024. On August 4th, the ballot proposal passed with almost 77% approval. This is a clear endorsement by the community that we are on the right path; quite literally paving the way to new futures and linking communities together.
In the last four years, the roads and non-motorized millage has helped WCPARC leverage nearly $15 million in non-motorized funding through grants and private donations, resulting in the completion of 10+ miles of non-motorized trails, including:
- A trail connecting Dexter-Huron Metropark to Zeeb Road in Scio Township
- A pedestrian tunnel under M-52 in Lyndon Township
- A trail along Grove Road and in Frog Island Park (to be completed this year) in Ypsilanti
- A trail in Riverside Park in the City of Ann Arbor
With its renewal, 20% of millage funds generated will be allocated to non-motorized pathway improvements. This money will be administered by WCPARC and invested into 10 Border-to-Border Trail projects, including:
- Segment connecting Zeeb Road to Delhi Metropark in Scio Township
- Segment along Dexter-Chelsea Road from Dancer Road to Wylie Road in Lima Township
- Segment along Huron River Drive connecting Delhi Metropark to Wagner Rd in Scio Township
- Extending the Chelsea-Stockbridge Connection from North Territorial Road to Boyce Road in Lyndon Township
- The Gallup Park Trail Segment in the City of Ann Arbor
- The Bandemer Tunnel under the Amtrak railroad tracks in the City of Ann Arbor
- The Huron Pedestrian Crossing over I-94 in Ypsilanti Township
- The Grove Road Pedestrian Bridge over I-94 in the City of Ypsilanti
Millages are the lifeblood of our organization, and partnerships with organizations like the Washtenaw County Road Commission are essential, as they provide us with the funding necessary to further our goal to connect communities and provide a network of non-motorized trails. Non-motorized trails tie our communities together and provide convenient access to thousands of acres of parks and recreational land. Further, trails can help reduce our carbon footprint by providing safe alternatives for commuters. Thank you for supporting the millage renewal and allowing WCPARC, the Road Commission, and our many partners to continue the important work of improving our roads and expanding our trail network.
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Coy Vaughn
Director, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission
[email protected]
734-971-6337
Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission
The Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, founded in 1973, currently manages 14 parks and 33 nature preserves totaling more than 6,000 acres. Washtenaw County Parks provides recreational and nature-based programming. Visit us at washtenaw.org/parks on Facebook and Instagram, or call 734-971-6337.