Hewens Creek Update

[bill_m]

The season for trail construction has finally arrived and we would like to begin work at the park soon.

The trail plan described below is based on criteria developed by the Ann Arbor Mountain Biking Taskforce, sponsored by the Ann Arbor Parks Department. These criteria recommend that a multi-use trail have the following characteristics: 1) provide a quality recreational experience; 2) be environmentally sensitive; 3) be low maintenance; 4) be safe; and 5) not conflict with existing user groups’ or neighbors’ interests. We feel the proposed plan meets these criteria. We plan to construct the trail in phases. Ultimately, there may be as many as five or six phases. We are planning three phases for this year. These three phases will establish the trail in the center and eastern portions of the park. The remaining phases will concentrate on the western part of the park and take place next year. Trail layout in the western part of the park is complicated by the presence of some large wetlands and several streams. We will utilize this summer and the coming fall and winter to scout out the best options for trail in the western part of the park.


At the present time there are some old two-track roads on the site. We call these legacy paths Phase 0. They can be used at present, but do not provide a recreational experience that approaches the potential of the park. They are shown on the Phase 0 map. Click here for the Phase 0 Map


Phase 1 is designed to create an interesting recreational experience in a short amount of time (see Phase 1 map). It actually should be possible to implement it with a weekend’s worth of work. This is because it relies mainly on using portions of the existing two-tracks and new trail that is simply mowed into the old fields. A limited amount of these mown trails will be only be temporarily used, until more permanent trail can be constructed in Phase 2. No bridges will be required in Phase 1. We anticipate Phase 1 could be completed by the middle of July. Click here for the Phase 1 Map



Phase 2 will extend the trail into wooded portions of the park and require the construction of several bridges (see Phase 2 map). The main purpose of Phase 2 is to move the trail off the legacy two-track, especially along the earthen dam on the eastern side of the pond. The trail clearing and bridge building will take several work days. We expect that this work could be completed by the end of August. Click here for Phase 2 Map



Phase 3 will complete the trail network in the eastern and central portions of the park (see Phase 3 map). The main objective of this phase is to add trail in the wooded area of the southern part of the park, including the spruce plantation. This work could be completed by the middle of October. Parts of these wooded areas are characterized by rather wet soils and may require boardwalking to be sustainable. These areas are indicated by dashed lines. We intend to further evaluate these areas over the summer to determine if this is required, and if so, whether it is desirable and feasible.Click here for the Phase 3 Map

The last item we are waiting on should be wrapped up by Thursday June 9th. Look for us to announce the first workday date after the 9th!

Bill

[fatso]

Updates?

[bill_m]

Click here for an update.