Grant Assistance Available for Trails, Parks and Recreation

Macomb County's crowning achievement in trail preservation is the Macomb Orchard Trail, located in the abandoned Canadian National Railroad corridor. Named after the many orchards that dot the surrounding landscape, the multi-community trail is 23.5 miles long, and promotes healthy recreation year-round. Its goal is to provide users with a safe, pedestrian-friendly environment where they can exercise and explore the scenic urban and rural landscapes of Macomb County, free from cars and other motorized vehicles.

It is currently undergoing development by the Macomb County Planning and Economic Development Department (MCPED), which is actively involved in the planning and development of pedestrian trails and connectors throughout the County. John Crumm, project manager for the Planning and Environmental Services division of MCPED, said creating nature trails plays a huge role in saving the local environment for future generations to enjoy.

"I'm willing to work with any municipality to help them find grants for nature trails or parks and recreation purposes," he said.

As part of the trail's development, MCPED works with local municipalities to gain support for its completion. Once finished, the trail will be 10-feet wide and will be comprised of asphalt in the city portions and crushed stone in the rural areas.

For more information, John Crumm can be reached at 586-469-5065.

Find out more about Countywide Trails.