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Committee moves on Meridian Woods culverts, trail repairs and playscape connectivity
Summary
The Grosse Ile committee reported DPS activity installing culverts in Meridian Woods, ordered trail-use signs, and discussed extending and improving a connector trail near the former playscape; volunteers will help with wood-chip surfacing and stewardship.
The Grosse Ile Greenways & Open Space Committee reported progress on trail repairs and connectivity at its April 1 meeting, including culvert work in Meridian Woods, plans to extend a trail to the former playscape site, and new trail signage.
Chairman Stevenson said Department of Public Services crews have been authorized to install culverts in Meridian Woods to address a vernal wetland and chronic drainage that floods the trail. The committee said Dr. David Dimitri, head of conservation at the Detroit Zoological Society, inspected the site and recommended work when conditions are wet; the committee later observed activity consistent with culvert installation.
The committee discussed a connector trail running from Grosse Ile Parkway to the former playscape area and reported that the playscape parcel is township property currently under the jurisdictional review of the Downtown Development Authority. The playscape carve-out measures about 1.43 acres, the committee said; surrounding parcels remain open space. Committee members said they had extended an informal trail through open space to the Jackson Center (the Grosse Ile Nature & Land Conservancy resource center) and plan to add wood chips to improve tread; volunteers and the stewardship committee will assist with the work.
Separately, the committee ordered 10 brown-and-white trail-use signs (12-by-18 inches) with standard language consistent with existing open-space ordinances — examples include hours (dawn to dusk), no open fires, and pet waste removal. The committee said signage placement will match trail head accessibility (loop trails get multiple signs; dead-end trails may get a single sign).
Committee members discussed alternatives for benches and rustic seating; past practice has been to fashion resting spots from felled trees rather than install manufactured benches on open-space parcels. Members said any larger infrastructure work (relocating kayak launches, for example) would require additional review and permitting.
No formal vote was required to note DPS activity or to order signage; the committee directed staff to coordinate with DPS, the Land Conservancy stewardship volunteers and the township’s ordinance enforcement liaison as needed.
