Want New Trails in Northville? Act FAST! 7-MILE PROPERTY!

[Loren]

I've sent the following to the board of trustees and our parks contacts, and we've received a pretty positive response in phone discussions and emails. I think the next steps reside with the township, but we've discussed scheduling a walk through of the park with them later this Spring.


We'd like to congratulate you and the citizens of Northville in adopting a truly inspiring master plan for the 7 Mile Road Park. A number of our Northville members have been participating in the process and have been in contact with me regarding ways in which we as an organization can help move this plan forward. This is an impressive, ambitious vision that can rally community groups far into the future, and the Michigan Mountain Biking Association would like to be part of this future.

The Michigan Mountain Biking Association works with land managers to develop and maintain trail systems in state, county, and township parks throughout Michigan. Our local chapter, Metro South, actively works with the following organizations:

- Commerce Township, where we maintain approximately 6.5 miles of multi-use trail at Hickory Glen Park. Earlier this year, the Township honored us with a Parks and Recreation Outstanding Service award for 2011 in recognition of this work.

- The City of Novi, where our cooperative partnership to build and maintain the trail system at Lakeshore Park stretches over a decade. These trails were cited as a reason Money magazine rated Novi as a top 50 best places to live in recent years, and summer evenings frequently find the parking lots filled.

- The Charter Township of Milford, where we have developed approximately 6 miles of multi-use trail and contributed to the development of several connecting pathway projects. These trails have helped position Milford as a bike-friendly community, bringing hundreds of visitors into the area for organized racing and riding events.

- The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, our partner in maintaining the 6 miles of trail at Maybury State Park, 16 miles at Highland Recreation Area, 16 miles at Island Lake Recreation Area, and 10 miles at Proud Lake Recreation Area.


Each of our trails has one or more designated Trail Coordinators, providing a single point of contact between the land manager and our volunteers. These coordinators have access to skilled trail designers educated in International Mountain Biking Association and USDA Forest Service standards for the construction of sustainable multi-use trail systems, and a large pool of passionate volunteers and crew leaders. As a chapter, we contribute an average of 2,000 volunteer hours each year on these local trails, and our trail days can bring in as many as 50 volunteers. In addition to labor, our organization designs and installs maps and directional signage, builds bridges and boardwalks as necessary, and builds sign kiosks and other trail infrastructure. This work is made possible through the efforts of our mountain biking volunteers, their membership dollars, the proceeds of our fundraising events, and corporate grants.

When you are ready, we would like to work with you to make the 7 Mile Road Park mountain bike trails a reality.

Feel free to forward this to the appropriate team, and contact me at any time to discuss this further.

Regards,

Loren Konkus
President, Michigan Mountain Biking Association, Metro South chapter

[IBrake4Squirrels]

YAY! Very excited to see this all happen. Great job Loren.

Paul [PB]

[J/C]

Great letter Loren! I checked out the master plan online, and it all looks very promising, with MTB trails as one of the primary features. I work in Northville Twp, and I'd be willing to help with any trail work when the time comes.

[specialized08]

Loren -

Let me start by saying I have been more of a troll throughout the winter months on MMBA, and typically become seasonally active in the summer riding months. Even back when this topic had come about I was immediately enthusiastic. I have grown up in the subdivision directly south of this property (Maple Hill) since I was two years old. I am now, and have been, a residence of the City of Northville for about three years rather than the Township.

I have explored this property, yes, when I was not supposed to throughout my years because it is simply fascinating and an amazing parcel of land. If this begins to be accomplished, please contact me and let me know any way possible I can help out. I mention this now while gladly admitting that I was one of those 900+ people who had completed the survey and pushed for some recreational use!

Keep up the great work,

Blake

[IBrake4Squirrels]

I have not officially lived here, just renting an apartment on 8 mile between Meadowbrook and Griswold (Woodland Glenn). I can officially say that when they mentioned making this something that could potentially be used for trial riding I was super stoked. Funny thing is that I have been relatively active on his forum and I don't even own a bike yet, lol. There is a purchase in my near near near future, just waiting for the GF to repay the 300$ I lent her and I'm straight.

I will say, for those who were unable to participate in the signing of the "survey", such as my self, thanks. I found out about this a bit too late and procrastinated like a mother and I missed it Thank god the 900+ others out there aren't like me...

Cheers

[IBrake4Squirrels]

Have there been any news updates regarding the property or the trails??




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[bender13]

I do not have any updates as of yet. I have requested a walk through with the township so we (MCMBA) can get an idea on what we have to work with in the area designated as the Mountain Bike Park. I do not think it will be open to the public until all hazardous materials and structures have been removed or made safe and that may take a while.

I will post updates as they come along.

Jeff

[TrailSeeker]

Long-time forum lurker here...

Great news. Hopefully all of these hazardous materials issues can be cleared up, for at least a portion of the property (the part with the trails on it )

I'd love to help out in any trail building activities, so please contact me when it gets to that stage.

Also, if the MMBA needs Northville residents to speak up supporting these trails, ping me.

[Loren]

Last week, Jeff and I did a quick three hour tour of the mountain bike park site (with permission of Northville, of course). We found a lot of interesting varied terrain: meadow and forest, gentle hills and steep ravines, water features, rocks (lots of rock). And space. There's a lot of potential here for a really nice mountain bike trail.

But it's going to take work. There's not a lot of trash out there, but there's some - old tires, hot water heaters, stuff like that. And of course the buildings. I *think* the only building in the mountain bike park area is an old out house that we came across, but that had an open, deep concrete cistern.

As Jeff wrote, it's going to be quite a while until this is open for public access.

[Sherpaboy]

I think that small building is an old power building. There is potential for so much out there...Pump track too. The terrain s not flat either...

[IBrake4Squirrels]

Instead of trying to clear all that 'trash' out, we should make it part of the trails. Could be an interesting 'modern' twist on them.. Just an option.


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[PmB]

Has there been any word on new developments to the property. I hate driving by it and know that it's still not rideable??

[scat silvurz]

Well, FOUR - yes 4! years later, and Northville has not made any progress on any remediation of underground fuel storage tanks, building and structure demolition, etc. Had a talk with a TWP official, and it's true. The costs to do so have effectively mothballed this project, and the Township has a freeze on ANY improvements (such as a meek little mtb trail) until the site is considered remediated and demolished.

Stick that in your hat and smoke it!

[PmB]

Dumb!

[bender13]

The Township is going to receive a large chunk of money (almost 5 mil.) from the sale of the property at 5 Mile and Beck. This money is earmarked for demo and environmental cleanup at the 7 Mile property.

I know it has been a long time, but please do not give up on this project. I remain hopeful that once the cleanup is under way, we can get access to the site. The bike park is part of the master plan and that has not changed. I believe the Township realizes the benefit of having the MCMBA as a partner as they will get a great recreational opportunity at minimal cost.

Feel free to contact Northville Township, especially if you are a resident to find out the status and show support.

If you have any ideas or questions and want to discuss, please feel free to PM me.

Thanks,

Jeff

Well, FOUR - yes 4! years later, and Northville has not made any progress on any remediation of underground fuel storage tanks, building and structure demolition, etc. Had a talk with a TWP official, and it's true. The costs to do so have effectively mothballed this project, and the Township has a freeze on ANY improvements (such as a meek little mtb trail) until the site is considered remediated and demolished.

Stick that in your hat and smoke it!