Clinton River Trail in Pontiac just west of Bagley Street
In partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester, Friends of the Clinton River Trail (FCRT) is excited to announce that it has been awarded a grant from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan’s Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Trails Maintenance Fund. This grant will be combined with matching funds from the City of Pontiac, City of Sylvan Lake, FCRT, Pontiac Funders Collaborative, and other private sources for a total project budget of $600,000. The funding will be used to design, engineer and construct significant enhancements to the Clinton River Trail in Pontiac and Sylvan Lake between Pontiac Drive and Bagley Street (approximately 1.75 miles).
The goal of the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Trails Maintenance Fund is to provide maintenance support to previously developed trails and greenways. The Clinton River Trail project will include critically needed upgrades where the trail crosses both Pontiac Drive and Orchard Lake Road. Additionally, funds will be used to resurface the crushed limestone trail, replace railings on two bridges over the Clinton River, install regulatory signs, and make other safety and mobility feature enhancements. Construction is anticipated to take place in 2021. “FCRT served as a catalyst to bring together the various stakeholders and funding sources for this collaborative effort. This type of project would have never happened without the cooperation of Pontiac, Sylvan Lake and other private groups,” said Melinda Hill, FCRT president. FCRT provided the initial funding for design/engineering services allowing the project to get started. Hill also acknowledged the critical role the Oakland County Economic Development & Community Affairs Department played in finding the right partners and assisting in grant preparation. Further assistance is being provided by the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester which will serve as fiduciary for the project.
About the Clinton River Trail (CRT)
CRT is a 16 mile long, multi-use, recreational trail extending through the communities of Sylvan Lake, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Rochester Hills and Rochester. The CRT provides connections to several other trails in the area and is a critical part of two cross-state trails: the Iron Belle Trail Biking Route running from Belle Isle to Ironwood and the Great Lake to Lake Trail Route 1 from South Haven to Port Huron. The CRT has contributed to the health, vitality and quality of life in the region for 16 years.
About Friends of the Clinton River Trail
An all-volunteer group, Friends of the Clinton River Trail is dedicated to improving the safety and enjoyment of the trail for all users. Representing approximately 450 members, the group’s Steering Committee works with each of the five cities through which the trail passes to achieve consistent branding for the trail and a common standard for trail appearance and maintenance. The Friends group concluded a year-long celebration of the CRT’s 15th Anniversary in 2019.
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The “Pontiac Route” between opdyke rd and bargley st is a TERRIBLE ride. This is not a trail, I would recommend turning around once you come to either point.
Is there a plan to continue straight through the old rail pathway?