Kentwood trails - WKTV Journal

By WKTV Staff

The City of Kentwood has been awarded a $300,000 grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund to support improvements to the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail.

MNRTF grants were awarded to eligible government agencies, school districts and recreation authorities. Groups across Michigan submitted funding applications which were evaluated based on criteria such as access to natural resources and proximity to large population groups. In its application, the City noted the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail’s interconnectedness within multiple Kentwood parks and surrounding cities and townships as well as its proximity to natural areas such as woods and ponds.

“We’re delighted to receive these funds from the Department of Natural Resources in support of our vision for Kentwood’s trail systems,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “The grant is one example of our promise to voters in 2022 when they approved the parks millage that we would continue to pursue grant funding, ensuring taxpayer dollars go as far as possible to fund park and trail improvements.”

The City plans to use the funds to replace and restore asphalt portions of the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail running from Kalamazoo Avenue SE and 44th Street to East Paris Avenue and 60th Street, for a total of 2.8 miles of trail. These updates will enhance trail accessibility and create a sustainable trail foundation.

Walkers on the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

“The Paul Henry Thornapple Trail is a well-used and well-loved recreation resource in our community,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “We’re excited for this opportunity to invest in this resource so it can be enjoyed by community members of all ages and abilities for years to come.”

The funds will be distributed in the fall of 2024, and the City anticipates it will begin making trail improvements in 2025. A construction partner will be selected through the city’s bidding process.

The improvements also will be funded in part by the permanent parks millage passed in August 2022.

More information about the parks millage and upcoming park and trail projects can be found at kentwood.us/millage.

Kentwood’s public trails welcome not only public use but also public volunteers being watchful eyes and ears on the trail. (Supplied)

By Kentwood Police Department

The Kentwood Police Department is looking for volunteers to become part of the Trail Patrol Volunteer Program.

Trail Patrol Volunteers patrol parks and trails in the City of Kentwood by providing assistance to trail users and reporting problems — signs of vandalism, damage, and illegal/suspicious activity. Trail patrol involves observing and reporting issues on the trail including maintenance and ordinance violations.

Volunteers may choose to walk or ride a bike to patrol and set their own schedule. A minimum one-hour commitment per week is requested (weather permitting).

Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age, have a friendly demeanor, undergo application and screening process, pass a background check, and attend a one-hour Department training.

You can make a difference in your community’s parks and trails and have fun while doing it!

For more information, contact Vicki Highland at 616-656-6571 or e-mail highlandv@ci.kentwood.mi.us.