DEARBORN – State Rep. Gino H. Polidori (D-Dearborn) announced today that the Wayne County Department of Public Services, in partnership with the city of Detroit, the city of Dearborn, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan Greenways Initiative and the Southwest Detroit Business Association, secured $584,100 in federal and local funds to build a 1.4-mile non-motorized trail connecting Patton Park in Detroit and Lapeer Park in Dearborn.
"This project will bring our communities together," Polidori said. "Our communities will have access to the beautiful nature and the recreation these parks have to offer. The people will be connected to each other in a way they weren't before. Now we will have one more way to share the cultural richness of our neighborhoods."
The Southwest Detroit/Dearborn Greenway will be a combination of 10-foot-wide asphalt park trails and bike lanes on city streets to connect the two parks. The project will include trees, lawn restoration, perennial plantings, benches and signage.
The $584,100 budget includes $467,280 from federal funds, $50,000 from the city of Detroit, $50,000 from the city of Dearborn, and $16,820 from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan Greenways Initiative. The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan Greenways Initiative also contributed an additional $183,180 for the design of the project.
"This project is exciting because these residential areas do not have access to green, recreational spaces," Polidori said. "Now, because of this trail, they will be able to explore historical sites, local parks and shopping areas.