Trailways Enhance Community Life

Created as a multi-community asset, the Trailway will enrich our region by restoring, protecting and revitalizing this natural resource that ties us all together.

By connecting urban and rural areas, the Trailway allows people to enjoy the River and surrounding communities. Aesthetically, the Trailway enhances the region’s quality of life by providing an area of scenic overlooks, wooded wetlands, flowers and wildlife viewing. It’s a place for families to picnic, hike, take photos, and explore nature. There also is an improved sense of well-being and opportunities to participate in educational and cultural events near or on the Trailway. The Trailway offers areas for the health and fitness of its citizens; it provides long-term opportunities for economic growth; preserves our environment; and fulfills the dream of interaction and cooperation among community groups and families who can share commerce, nature and relationships.

Health & Fitness

With planned walk ways, boardwalks and bike paths, the Trailway will allow walkers and bikers to travel about 25% of the state of Michigan—from Battle Creek to South Haven. From walking, running and bicycling, to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking, the Trailway will naturally provide a venue that promotes good health habits for a lifetime.

Tourism

We anticipate that upon completion, the Trailway will become one of the “must see and experience” destinations. As a connector to both urban and rural areas, the Trailway boasts water activities, wildlife viewing, hiking and biking opportunities, and unique points of interest to all who use the Trailway.

Economic Development

With thousands of anticipated users weekly, including an estimated 25% non-residential visitors, local businesses should experience increased revenue. Other areas in Michigan and throughout the U.S. with similar trailway networks, report an additional $300,000 to $700,000 annually. It also creates an opportunity for new small business development and can increase the value of homes located nearby.

Recreation

The design of the Trailway provides a family-friendly recreational venue that helps build a sense of community. It will provide places for cyclists, hikers, walkers, runners, inline skaters and cross-country skiers. Additionally, it will be constructed without man-made barriers so people of all abilities can experience the Trailway.

Environment & Land Preservation

The development of the Trailway land ensures conservation and the preservation of valuable green space and wildlife habitat along the river flood plain, including wetland and water recharge areas. It encourages community improvements by clean up, revitalization and aesthetic changes to neglected or “brownfield” areas along the river.

Employee Impact

The Trailway will benefit employees through a combination of increased economic growth, health and fitness and quality of life. Many employees believe that quality of life in a community increases the attractiveness of a job, and prefer places with a diverse range of outdoor activities. And healthier employees translate into healthier communities, saving employers insurance costs and other forms of compensation. Trailways also translate into improved business revenues, enhanced property values, new businesses and creation of jobs.

Education
Increased and diversified educational opportunities include: all types of recreational fitness; science, geography and environmental studies; and creative writing, art and photography venues. Additional opportunities exist for outreach activities between community schools, youth-serving organizations, area businesses and local government representatives.

Transportation
Statistics show that more than 25% of automobile trips are one mile or less. The Trailway will provide alternative transportation routes and encourage people to walk or bike instead of driving, which will ease traffic congestion and accompanying air pollution, and save our valuable natural energy resources as well as money.