Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Recommended for State Grant to Develop Iron Belle – Paint Creek Trail Northern Trailhead
On Dec. 12th the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board recommended that Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Commission (OTPRC) be awarded a $228,400 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant for improvements at the Township’s Paint Creek Junction Park. The purpose of this grant project, titled “Iron Belle – Paint Creek Trail Northern Trailhead” is to provide a trailhead at Paint Creek Junction Park, adjacent to the Paint Creek Trail. Since the Paint Creek Trail is an important link in the statewide Iron-Belle trail system, this project also supports that trail too! Many residents may not know that each community that …
Paint Creek Trail Hires New Manager
The Paint Creek Trailways Commission, an intergovernmental agency that owns and operates the 8.9 mile recreational Paint Creek Trail, is proud to announce the hiring of Melissa Ford as the Paint Creek Trail’s new manager. Ford’s responsibilities as Trail Manager include overseeing the maintenance of the Trail, managing Trail development projects, grant administration, and leading updates of the Trail’s Recreation Master Plan.
Bridge 33.7 – Sinkhole – July 25, 2018
Bridge 33.7 Update: Yesterday, we had a large sinkhole at the southern end of Bridge 33.7 on the Paint Creek Trail in Oakland Township. This is the middle bridge between Dutton and Silver Bell, and the one that is in the process of being replaced. It was supposed to be replaced this summer, but the bids came back too high and the project has been delayed until Spring 2019. We contacted our engineers and provided them a photo of the sinkhole, and the measures that were taken to repair it. Based on that information, they have advised that the hole …
Police Activity on the Trail – June 14, 2018
Holly Towery, a 32 year old mother of three from Royal Oak, was reported missing on Tuesday, June 12. On Thursday, June 14, 2018, at approximately 6:00pm, her vehicle was found in the Paint Creek Trail Dutton Road Parking lot in Oakland Township. The Sheriff’s Department began investigating, but unfortunately, found Ms. Towery deceased by suicide at around 8:00pm, near the Paint Creek Trail in Oakland Township. We would like to quell any rumors that may be spreading that may make our neighbors and trail users unsafe while on the trail. Our hearts go out to Ms. Towery’s family and …
Bridge Construction – POSTPONED until 2019
Bridge Construction Update: Bad news for us, good news for trail users! Our bridge construction project and resurfacing is being postponed to early 2019. Bids came back way higher than our engineer’s estimate. The trail will remain open. We’re hoping to re-bid in October, with construction to start in March 2019. Stay tuned!
Trail Conditions – May 8, 2018
Trail Conditions: Trail is in good shape. A few ruts here and there. Crews will be doing some minor tree removal work between Dutton and Silverbell today, tomorrow, and Thursday. The trail will have to be closed from 10am-1pm on Thursday, May 10 between Dutton and Silverbell for them to finish. Please plan accordingly.
Prescribed Burns – Monday, April 30, 2018
FYI: There will be Prescribed Prairie Burns along the trail in Oakland Township starting at 10am today, April 30. They will be south of Silver Bell, working their way to just north of Gallagher. Trail will be open, but expect smoky conditions.
2018 Trail Construction Update – April 16, 2018
We have confirmed that the Bid Letting for the Bridge project will be on May 4, 2018. That means a contractor will be chosen that day. We do not know the exact date, but based on the bid letting date, the trail will most likely be closed sometime during the week of June 4, 2018. We will post a definite date when we have one!
Trail Conditions Report – March 28, 2018
Trail Conditions Report: Trail surface is in good shape on most of the trail. The usual problem spots near Silver Bell, Gunn, and Clarkston/Kern have muddy areas. Have seen runners and cyclists all morning. Enjoy!
TRAIL IS OPEN – TREE REMOVAL WORK IS COMPLETE.
TRAIL IS OPEN – TREE REMOVAL WORK IS COMPLETE.