Thanks to all of the volunteer hours, we have made a lot of progress at the new park in Ypsilanti Township. In fact, with one more workday, we should be able to open the park and start riding the new trails. So come out an join us this Wednesday (8/31) at 6:00 to do some work and make sure to bring your bike as we will hold the first ride as soon as were are done around 7:30!
As you can see on the Phase 1 map, we have mowed trails in the central and Eastern Fields. Although it is really just a mowed pathway at this point, make sure to notice all of the young trees (lots of Cottonwoods) that range from several to 7-8 feet in height in the fields. You will see these trees grow rapidly from year to year. This is really a neat opportunity to literally see a forest as it grows up around the trail. There are a few sections that go into the existing woods, but the wooded areas will be our focus once the leaves have fallen. We don’t have a mileage figure yet, but it takes a little under an hour to ride the phase 1 loop.
Please keep in mind, this is a brand new trail built on old farm fields. It will be bumpy and slow going until the tread wears in. For at least the near future, this trail is suitable for full suspension bikes only. Not to exclude hardtail riders, but you have been warned! Think of it this way: The more you and everyone else rides it the better it will get.
We have already found evidence of horses on the new trails. We will post signs saying that horses and motorized vehicles are prohibited. We, the park users are likely going to have to enforce the rules. If you encounter a horse or ATV, please politely but clearly inform them that Ypsilanti Township has every intention of ticketing illegal park users. Please note any unique features of any prohibited user you encounter (such as an ATV license plate) and report it to me at poto@mmba.org or call Yspi Township Parks & Rec at 734-544-3807. If we can establish the identity of repeat offenders, it will help our efforts.
Parking is going to be an issue. Right now, there are only about four parking spots at the trail head. We have been given permission to use Lincoln High School’s parking lot which is at the corner of Bemis and Hitchingham roads. This is a great option as the lot is big and it is only about ¼ mile from the trail head. To get to the park, take I-94 to the Huron Street Exit #183 (next to the Visteon Plant and Ford Lake). Go south until Stoney Creek Rd and turn right on Stoney Creek. Just past Rolling Hills Park, turn left on Bemis road and look for the small white Hewens Creek sign about a half mile down. Odds are the parking spots will be full, so keep going straight and you will see the high school.
If you can’t make the Wednesday workday we can still use your help. Since we will always be improving and adding to the trails, if you see something that’s not right (like a face slapper branch), take a moment and fix it. Lend a hand whenever and wherever you can. Take a pair of snips with you when you ride and get a branch or two, it will really add up! I hope to see you Wednesday.
