Future Projects

 

For several years, LARA has been working with the member communities to plan and secure funding for a two-phased project that will close the trail gap through Lowell, eventually making the last connection to the Fred Meijer River Valley Rail Trail terminus on Montcalm Ave.

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• Phase 1 – Lowell Township North Riverside Park to City of Lowell Recreation Park (Fairgrounds) - Phase 1 will connect to the existing pathway in the Lowell Township North Riverside Park and continue east eventually going thru Stoney Lakeside Park and then under Hudson Street to Recreation Park (Fairgrounds) where it will connect to the existing sidewalks at the intersection of Hudson St. and Bowes Rd. The proposed improvements include the installation of new paved non-motorized trails, pedestrian bridges, benches, and signage. Funds for Phase 1 have been committed, and construction is planned to begin in the summer of 2025, with completion in 2026.

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• Phase 2 – City of Lowell Recreation Park (Fairgrounds) to Fred Meijer Grand River Valley Rail Trail – Continuing east from Recreation Park (Fairgrounds), Phase 2 will require a new pedestrian bridge to be built over the Grand River, and then the trail will continue east within easements from abandoned rail properties and other private parcels. The trail will cross S. Jackson Street and continue the abandoned railbed to Montcalm Avenue where the existing Fred Meijer Grand River Valley Rail Trail currently ends. Planning for Phase 2 is underway in coordination in cooperation with other county and regional trail programs.