The Sterling Heights Parks & Recreation Department continued their expansion and improvement of parks and amenities on Tuesday, Oct. 6 with an official ribbon cutting for its most recent trail expansion.
The expansion is one of the latest enrichments in partnership with Troy Beaumont Hospital to connect the Sterling Heights Nature Trail to the hospital’s campus.
The Sterling Heights Nature Trail is a 10-feet wide, soft-surfaced trail that connects the park to the Troy Beaumont Hospital Campus, providing a much needed recreational amenity to the residents, especially those in the northwest section of the City. In total, the trail is approximately two miles in length and runs along the Plumbrook/Gibson Drain, truly encompassing the feel of nature.
The Nature Trail is non-motorized, meaning motorized vehicles such as golf carts, ATVs, snowmobiles and dirt bikes are not permitted. In turn, the trail is a great resource for walkers, runners, and bicyclists alike, and although the path is soft-surfaced, strollers and wheelchairs can traverse the trail .
“Beaumont understands the importance of serving the health needs of the community and is very pleased to partner with Sterling Heights on this nature trail. Promoting a healthy and active community is a priority for Beaumont. Exercise is so important to the overall well-being of the community and this trail will provide another venue for community members to get that exercise,” said Mark Leonard, chief operating officer at Beaumont Troy.
As part of the Recreating Recreation millage, the Nature Trail expansion continues the City’s mission to invest in creating recreational amenities that provide residents with year-round recreational opportunities. Respite locations are installed along the trail each including a bench, trash receptacle, and bike repair stations.
"It is very exciting to bring another cornerstone project from the Recreating Recreation plan to completion,” said Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation Director Kyle Langlois. "The northwest section of our City previously lacked convenient access to an acceptable amount of non-motorized trails, and I am happy to be part of reversing that position. Trails like this are imperative for the collective health and well-being of the residents in Sterling Heights, no matter if you are a serious athlete, someone looking to enjoy a casual walk with their dog, or anyone in between."
The trail will be open along with normal park hours, 7 am to 10 pm (April – September), and 7 am to 8 pm (October – March).