Grosse Ile open-space committee approves Parkway Woods trail refurbishing, caps spending at $5,000

At a meeting of the Grosse Ile Greenways Open Space Committee, members approved a motion to refurbish an existing trail in Parkway Woods, authorizing committee spending not to exceed $5,000.

The vote, taken by voice, followed discussion of the trail’s condition and the committee’s goal to improve connectivity between Grosse Ile Parkway, the Jackson Center/Nature Conservancy lands and the Parkway trail. Committee members said the work would likely include bringing in and spreading a gravel base, widening some segments where appropriate and topping with wood chips in places to reduce muddiness.

The decision came after committee members described the trail as underused and overgrown in spots. Committee chair (name not specified) told the group that the work would mirror prior repairs on the Ferry Gauge Trail and asked whether members had questions before spending funds. The committee agreed to the motion “not to exceed $5,000,” a spending cap the chair said would keep the project within the committee’s maintenance budget and avoid immediate township-board approval unless costs escalate.

Committee members discussed how the work would be performed. John Keim, DPS foreman, and Derek Thiel (township staff) were identified as staff contacts for coordinating the work; the committee also discussed contracting with local firms such as Campo Brothers or TNT or using DPS equipment. Members noted the work is weather-dependent and that heavy equipment can damage wet trail beds, so scheduling in drier months is preferred.

Clarifying details available in the meeting packet and discussion included a prior gravel/parking-lot job that cost approximately $3,500, the committee’s estimate that $5,000 would likely cover most of the intended improvements, and that any amount above that would be referred to the township board for approval. Members said they would visit the site together to mark alignment and identify where gravel and wood chips would be placed.

Next steps: staff will coordinate estimates and logistics; the committee plans a field visit to show members the exact work area and to determine whether the project requires an expanded budget request to the township board.