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City of Kentwood - Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail Improvements

Project Information

The City of Kentwood has been awarded a Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Trust Fund Grant to support improvements to the Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail. This project includes the reconstruction of the trail between 44th Street and the trailhead at Wing Avenue, as well as a small section in East Paris Park.

Construction activities will involve pulverizing the existing trail surface, grading the pathway in preparation for new pavement, and completing paving and concrete installation. Additional site improvements will include new benches, refuse containers, and way-finding signage to enhance user experience along the trail.

Access/Traffic:

For public safety, this section of the trail will be closed during construction. We have provided a map of the project progress and proposed schedule for your reference. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to enhance this important pathway corridor.

Contact

P&N Engineer
Carlee Thompson
Construction Manager
218-398-0554

Jason Washler, PE
Project Manager
616-822-6790

P&N Construction Observer
Brent Newhof
616-340-4249

Contractor
Black Creek Excavating
Matt VanSpyker
616-298-1023

City of Kentwood
Brad Boomstra, Project Manager
616-554-0740

June 9, 2025

Progress Report:

Black Creek Excavating began the week by completing SESC (Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control) installation on Monday morning. The remainder of the week was focused on preparing various areas for the installation of concrete pads for benches, wayfinding signs, and trash receptacles. Crews also began work on the pedestrian bridge north of 52nd Street, removing the existing concrete pavement and installing sock pipe underdrain. On Friday afternoon, several concrete pads for benches and trash receptacles were poured between 44th Street and Tradewinds Drive.

Upcoming Work:

Starting Wednesday, the team plans to pulverize the existing pathway as part of surface reconstruction efforts. Crews will continue preparing concrete areas for wayfinding sign installations and plan to pour additional concrete pads throughout the week as weather and site conditions allow.
May 30, 2025

Progress Report:

This week Black Creek Excavating began their work on the Paul Henry Trail. They have been installing silt fence along the pathway in preparation for removal work to begin next week.

The pathway is now closed at all access points. For your safety and the safety of our crews please note this closure as we work to enhance the trail and create a better riding surface for all!

Upcoming Work:

Next week the contractor will begin removing the existing benches, trash receptacles, and concrete pads.
May 14, 2025

Construction is scheduled to start on May 28.  The project includes three distinct areas that work will occur – Kalamazoo Avenue to 52nd Street, 52nd Street to Wing Avenue and East Paris Park.  Initial work items that will start on May 28 include removals, fence repairs, boardwalk repairs, storm improvements and some minor excavation from Kalamazoo Avenue to Wing Avenue.  The trail will be closed to the public starting May 28.

Dependent on progress and weather, the contractor is intending to extend the initial work area to East Paris Park on June 9.  Also starting June 9, the existing asphalt surface will be removed on the trail the entire length of the project.

The contractor is expecting to be done with the project near the end of June.  Stay tuned to this webpage for future updates on anticipated work items and status of the trail.

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