Rockford board approves easement for Cannon Township trail at Meadowridge Elementary
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Summary
The Rockford Public Schools board approved an easement allowing Cannon Township to build an 8-foot trail segment that will connect the Cannon Trail to Meadowridge Elementary and the Rockford trail network. The township says the $1.8 million project is partly funded by a $300,000 DNR grant and is scheduled to begin after July 2026.
The Rockford Public Schools Board of Education voted to approve an easement on district property that will allow Cannon Township to build a paved trail segment connecting the Cannon Trail to Meadowridge Elementary and the broader Rockford trail network.
Board members voted by voice in favor of the easement after a presentation from Cannon Township trustees and engineers describing the route, timing and funding. The board motion to approve was made and supported, and the vote was recorded as in favor by the members present.
The easement will permit an 8-foot-wide paved trail along the south side of Meadowridge property, running north to tie into the existing township trail. Todd Olsen, a Cannon Township trustee, said the project completes a long-planned final link between Cannonsburg and Rockford and is designed to keep the trail off busy roads for safety and aesthetics. Scott Post, the township engineer, said the route was adjusted to avoid mature trees, to preserve a drainage berm on the north side of the site and to stay slightly south of the fence line so the trail keeps a wooded feel.
Township officials told the board the project is fully funded for construction starting after July 2026, with an estimated construction period of about three months. The township reported a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) grant for $300,000 toward the approximately $1.8 million total cost and said it will pay for construction and ongoing maintenance, including crack sealing, full replacement when needed, dog-waste stations and bench improvements.
Officials said the township has met with adjacent homeowners to address concerns such as tree removal and sight lines and will continue outreach. To reduce disruption to school operations, the township said it would structure the contract to complete the segment adjacent to the school before the start of fall classes.
The board packet noted the district attorney and the district’s counsel had reviewed the proposed easement agreement; board members asked about drainage, construction timing and resident outreach before voting. No formal conditions beyond the reviewed easement agreement were added by the board at the meeting.
The approved easement is an access and construction right only; Cannon Township representatives said they will retain responsibility for construction, trail maintenance and related operations once built. The trail connection will link to Cortland and other township-built segments to create a contiguous pedestrian and bicycle link to the Rockford boundary.
Board members and township officials said they consider the easement a partnership that will provide new nonmotorized access for students, parents and area residents.
The board’s approval was recorded by voice vote during the business portion of the Feb. 24, 2025 meeting. No additional district funds were requested of the board for this easement.
