Downriver Linked Greenways celebrates new opportunities with trail users, communities and partners.
By Mary Bohling
From left, Tiffany Van DeHey, owner Riverside Kayak Connection; Congresswoman Debbie Dingell; and Richard Marsh, city manager River Rouge show off some of the new sign kiosks that will be installed in 11 locations along the Downriver Linked Greenways. Photo credit: Friends of the Detroit River
Recently trail enthusiasts gathered in Flat Rock, Mich., for a Downriver Linked Greenways(DLG) celebration. The “Trail Triumphs” celebration in January 2019, was a time to share the exciting things that are happening in the growing network of land and water trails, and to celebrate the Downriver region’s positive trail momentum. Co-chaired by Michigan Sea Grant and Riverside Kayak Connection, Downriver Linked Greenways in a nonprofit organization facilitating trail development for 21 communities in southern Wayne County. The great work that has taken place toward building a network of blueways and greenways, has spawned new opportunities, initiatives, collaborations and partnerships that will further the vision of establishing the Downriver area as a tourist destination in Southeastern Michigan.
Highlights of the festivities included remarks from Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, the debut of a video of the healthy benefits of trails and the unveiling of new DLG kiosks, road decals, and confidence markers that will be placed along the DLG trail.
Multiple agencies have come together to blaze the trail, including the State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources Iron Belle Trail, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments(SEMCOG), Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Design and Access Funds, Friends of the Detroit River, Riverside Kayak Connection, Michigan Sea Grant, Wayne County Parks, City of Flat Rock, City of Trenton, Healthy Trenton and Beaumont. Trail partners and agencies were on site for the mini-expo event to share their accomplishments and the important work that continues to be done in moving the trail hub vision forward.
