OSHTEMO TOWNSHIP, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A new trail for hikers and cyclists in Kalamazoo County could soon become a reality.
Oshtemo Township officials are considering proposals to develop a two-mile recreational trail that stretches across the community. The Fruit Belt Trail would start at Flesher Field off of 9th Street and continue past 6th Street at the township’s southwestern border.
The land considered in the plan is on property now owned by Ameritech/AT&T. Oshtemo officials say a grant request from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund would help make the purchase of the property possible.
A presentation given at an Oshtemo Township Planning Commission on Thursday, February 27th details how if the township is awarded the grant, work could being during or sometime after the summer of 2021.
MLive said in an article that the MNRTF grant would pay for up to 75% of the property with a donation from it’s current owner to count as a grant match.
The plan would allow Ameritech/AT&T to continue to operate underground telecommunications infrastructure running through the trailhead property, but grant requirements would guarantee the land itself for public use.
Parts of the project call for renovating existing trail surface to create a more friendly path for walkers and bicycles. Visitors will be able to park vehicles at Flesher Park near the start of the trail.
Oshtemo Township previously identified the potential trailhead as a priority in the GO! Green Oshtemo plan for Parks & Recreation, Non-motorized Transportation, & Conservation. For years area leaders were aware of the sites use as an informal trail, nestled on the site of the former Fruit Belt Railroad that closed in 1916.
The GO! Green Oshtemo plan was adopted in 2019 after township residents voiced enthusiasm about expanding parks and recreational opportunities in a 2017 citizen engagement survey.
Presented details say that the path could one day be extended to 11th street, with Texas Township potentially considering plans to build on the trail up to Mattawan.
The process for acquisition could start when the Oshtemo Township Planning Commission submits an authorization request to township board members. If approved the commission could submit a grant application by April 1st.
