OSHTEMO TOWNSHIP, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Oshtemo Township officials announced Tuesday that the area’s growing population will have more opportunities for outdoor recreation in 2021, thanks to new grant funding from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF).
According to the announcement, the Township plans to purchase approximately 35 acres of land now owned by Ameritech/AT&T. Adjoining Oshtemo’s 24-acre
Flesher Field Park, 3664 South 9th Street, the property will mainly be used for hiking, cross country skiing and enjoying nature.
Per grant requirements, the land will be dedicated to outdoor public recreation in perpetuity. Ameritech/AT&T will retain a telecommunications easement, according to officials.
Prior to its Ameritech/AT&T ownership, the 150’ wide property was a railroad corridor. A walking trail through the property has been used for many years by those aware of its presence. Acquisition of the land by the Township will open the trail for the enjoyment of all and allow for improved maintenance and management of the site’s natural features.
Access will be from Flesher Field, where trail connections and signage will be added. Picnic shelters, parking, restrooms and a drinking fountain are already available at the park. Acquisition of the property is likely to occur in mid-2021.
An opening date and details of a ribbon cutting ceremony will be announced in the Township newsletter when more information is available.
In addition, the Kalamazoo, Lake Shore and Chicago Railway, also known as the Fruit Belt Line, ran along the property during the early 20th Century. The rail line extended from Kalamazoo to South Haven, south of the rail line now used for the Kal-Haven Trail.
Officials say future plans are to renovate and improve the existing footpath to create an 8’ – 10’ wide non-motorized trail with a crushed stone surface. Though this section of trail is only two miles long, officials say it could one day be extended east to 11th Street and west through Texas Township toward Mattawan.
The 14 mile Van Buren Trail, which runs from South Haven to Hartford, is also on the former Fruit Belt Line. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources operates the Van Buren Trail and researched the possibility of extending it further. This newly acquired section of trail was identified as a priority in the GO! Green Oshtemo plan for Parks & Recreation, Nonmotorized Transportation, & Conservation.
The trail will be named the “Fruit Belt Trail” to bring recognition to the former rail line.
Officials are also noting that owners of adjacent properties have raised concerns regarding privacy, trespassing, crime, illegal dumping, off road vehicle/snow mobile use and safety of pedestrians while crossing 6th Street. Township Board members and staff have expressed a commitment to work with neighbors and residents to address these concerns.
No trespassing signs, privacy fencing and/or landscape screening, and enforcement of park hours and rules are proposed. A maintenance schedule has also been proposed, including regular litter pick up, mowing, and removal of fallen trees and branches. Maintenance will be completed by Township staff, who also maintain Oshtemo’s parks.
Oshtemo Friends of the Parks volunteers will assist with removal of invasive vegetation and replanting with native species. Little to no maintenance currently occurs on the property.
The MNRTF Board met on Wednesday, December 2, to review applications and select grant recipients. Oshtemo’s grant award is $58,000, and the required match is $20,000. Because Ameritech agreed to a sale price that is below market value, this “donation” by the seller counts as the Township’s required match.
Therefore, officials say it is likely that no Township funds will be required for the land acquisition.
Residents can find more information on the project by contacting Parks Director Karen High at khigh@oshtemo.org or (269) 216-5233.
Comments