Heart of Michigan Trails

The Heart of Michigan Trails and Greenways Partnership was adopted on February 1, 2006 with the goal to develop a regional trail network in Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties.

The Heart of Michigan Trails and Greenways Partenership is comprised of trail planners and other representatives from the counties of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton. Active committee members within the three counties include: the cities of Lansing and East Lansing, the townships of Meridian, Delhi, and Bath, as well as Landscape Architects and Planners, Inc., the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, and the Tri-County Regional Planning Commision. Other jurisdictions that are active in trail planning or development include: the cities of Williamston, DeWitt, Mason, and Leslie, the townships of Lansing, VeVay, Delta, and DeWitt, as well as Michigan State University’s Department of Parks and Planning.

Mission Statement

The purpose of the Heart of Michigan Trails & Greenways Partnership is to encourage the multi-jurisdictional planning, coordination, and development of a non-motorized trails network throughout the Mid-Michigan region. The organization strives to collect and share non-motorized information, resources, and ideas with citizens, organizations and/or agencies that have similar interest. Through these efforts, it is believed that communities will endeavor to link to a non-motorized system, thereby increasing the possibilities for a healthier lifestyle and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

Connecting Mid Michigan Communities

The 23 mile long Heart of Michigan Pathway has been established as a high priority of the Ingham County Parks & Recreation Commission. The trail would connect several major capital area parks including Ingham County’s Lake Lansing Park, Hawk Island Park, Burchfield Park, and the Hope Soccer Complex. It would also pass through Lansing’s Potter and Scott Woods Parks, Meridian Township’s Central Park, and Delhi Township’s Valhalla Park. It is anticipated that The Heart of Michigan Pathway would serve as a spine for further trail development. Ingham County’s master plan calls for a more extensive system to be established eventually along the Red Cedar to Webberville and south to Leslie.<br/><br/>

The advantages of focusing on The Heart of Michigan segment are that it is closest to the population center of the county, and connects all of the major parks in the area. Cooperative efforts will be essential to the success of the project. Meridian Township, Delhi Township, and the City of Lansing all have included the segments of the trail within their boundaries in their Pathway or Park and Recreation Master Plans. Meridian Township has completed a segment of the trail through its Central Park and is contemplating further funding of the trail through its Pathways Program. Lansing has a portion of the trail under construction this year; another grant application awaiting final approval; and a third grant application recently submitted. Delhi Township has also submitted a grant application for construction of approximately one mile of the trail.