Cannon Township created a charming 10-foot-wide trail over a half mile long that connects Townsend Park to the historic downtown Cannonsburg, offering a scenic three-mile route from Cannon Township Hall to downtown. This paved trail features a striking 40-foot prefabricated bridge over Bear Creek and a 100-foot wooden boardwalk that gracefully spans the floodplain and wetlands. Built to MDOT H-10 loading standards, it can handle emergency vehicles while still maintaining a tranquil, park-like atmosphere. Special care was taken to protect Bear Creek, a cold-water trout stream, ensuring the trail met all environmental standards.
To maintain Townsend Park’s distinctive character, an old gravel parking lot was transformed with topsoil, steps, and tree plantings, blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Cannon Township secured easements and worked closely with the Kent County Parks Department and local property owners to ensure smooth integration and enhance the trail’s beauty.
Designing the trail to meet ADA requirements posed some challenges, such as keeping the trail grade under five percent, which required cutting into the wooded hillsides. Retaining walls, grassy slopes, and new tree plantings were used to create a functional and attractive trail. Special seed mixes were planted on steep slopes to prevent erosion and maintain the environment’s integrity.
With permits from EGLE, the construction was carefully monitored to minimize impacts on the stream and wetlands, ensuring that the natural beauty of the area was preserved for everyone to enjoy.