CRAMBA: Addison Oaks

[c0nsumer]

OCPR has posted an official map of the connector route through Addison Oaks and over to Indian Lake Rd. You can see it here.

To quote DestinationOakland's Addison Oaks page:

Beginning May 2012, Oakland County Parks and Recreation will initiate construction on the Addison Oaks “Connector Trail." Funded in part with a grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, this 2.4-mile long trail will provide a non-motorized connection between the “Main” and “East” sections of Addison Oaks County Park.

The trail will run adjacent to portions of West Romeo Road and northwest through portions of the existing park. It will also provide direct access to trails at Cranberry Lake Park in Oakland Township.

When completed, the Connector Trail will be open to pedestrians, bicycles and equestrians, utilizing a combination of crushed limestone, grass, and boardwalk surfaces.

During construction, the trails in the East Unit of Addison Oaks will be closed; access to portions of the trails in the Main Unit of the park may also be temporarily closed. Anticipated completion is Fall 2012.

[AaronEvan]

Planning to hit today after work. Anyone go out yesterday or this morning?

[utabintarbo]

Planning to hit today after work. Anyone go out yesterday or this morning?

I have a Facebook report of it being in "good shape", but the source is kinda dodgy (Aaron B.). YMMV

Please report back with your findings.

[kyleRIG29er]

I thought the connector was going to connect Addison and Bald Mtn?

[c0nsumer]

I thought the connector was going to connect Addison and Bald Mtn?

Not specifically, but it basically does. It's not far at all from the west exit of the connector to the Lake George entrance to Bald Mountain.

[jalopy jockey]

I thought the connector was going to connect Addison and Bald Mtn?

Not specifically, but it basically does. It's not far at all from the west exit of the connector to the Lake George entrance to Bald Mountain.

Basically the connector will create a hole in the fence where the parks are separated by a road.

[RMXByker]

It may just be me but isn't what everyone here is looking for is some sort of a Bald Mountain to Addison connecter? I do not see that with the proposed route; but rather just connecting to the existing trail that is by the gate to access the RC Field. I don't see why they would add an opening in the fence in that general area adding access off of Lake George. Did someone hear more about this from the actual park; Bob????

[c0nsumer]

It may just be me but isn't what everyone here is looking for is some sort of a Bald Mountain to Addison connecter? I do not see that with the proposed route; but rather just connecting to the existing trail that is by the gate to access the RC Field. I don't see why they would add an opening in the fence in that general area adding access off of Lake George. Did someone hear more about this from the actual park; Bob????

From what I recall of conversations with the park, for years they had worked under a model where there would be a single entrance to their parks, and all recreation would branch out from there. The parks have learned that users really want multiple entrances and the ability to pass through the parks from different directions. This is part of that; providing an additional entrance at the best west location, one which will allow for potential parking, a landing area inside the fence, and easy access for pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians alike.

I personally think this'll meet all those goals nicely. The nearest entrance to Bald Mountain will be just a little ways down the road.

Note that I think it'd be kinda hard politically to interconnect the two, since this would require DNR and OCPR cooperation, and I don't think the DNR is on the same sort of schedule as OCPR when it comes to new trail development.

[utabintarbo]

It may just be me but isn't what everyone here is looking for is some sort of a Bald Mountain to Addison connecter? I do not see that with the proposed route; but rather just connecting to the existing trail that is by the gate to access the RC Field. I don't see why they would add an opening in the fence in that general area adding access off of Lake George. Did someone hear more about this from the actual park; Bob????

I guess you would have to define what you mean by a "connector". AFAIC, this performs the function of a connector, even though one has to ride ~3/4 of a mile from trail to trail.

[RMXByker]

I believe that Steve answered the question just fine. I just didn't realize/couldn't tell from there plan shown that they were creating an opening in the fence over by the RC entrance. If thats done, it would be perfect! Especially since this fall I'm going to be riding Bald Mountain and Addison a lot more since my house will only be a couple miles away. Thanks for clearing it up Steve...and of course thanks for the sarcasm Bob

[mr_opjones]

BISADA

[Alexg]

Addison was in pretty good shape tonight. I slid out on one of the berms and scratched my knee pretty good but other than that it was fun.

[jalopy jockey]

It may just be me but isn't what everyone here is looking for is some sort of a Bald Mountain to Addison connecter? I do not see that with the proposed route; but rather just connecting to the existing trail that is by the gate to access the RC Field. I don't see why they would add an opening in the fence in that general area adding access off of Lake George. Did someone hear more about this from the actual park; Bob????

I guess you would have to define what you mean by a "connector". AFAIC, this performs the function of a connector, even though one has to ride ~3/4 of a mile from trail to trail.

All opinions. Thiose couple of miles of rarely traveled dirt road is a mighty fine connector. Just like CRT to river walk to PCT to that fun section leading up to orion rd an ultimatly BMN is all part of the Bloomer and Addison connector.

[utabintarbo]

Trail was in fair condition last night with a few puddles and a minor amount of mud. The puddles will likely be gone by today. The mud may take a bit longer but will not likely pose a problem for the races this weekend. I plan on rolling the fat bike in the race to help flatten out the ruts (and the competition ).

The rains have caused a bit of a growth spurt in the vegetation lining the trail. I plan to get out there as possible but would appreciate any help I can get. If you can, take your clippers with you and help clear the corridor of face-slappers and other obstructions. Post back up here and I will put you "in the system". Thanks!

[Steve_Kinley]

I received an email confirmation today from a county parks planner that a nonmotorized access point near the intersection of Lake George and Indian Lake roads will be one of the features that will be included in the trail construction.