Kalamazoo River Valley Trail opens six more miles

Mile by mile, the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail is growing.

Bicyclists and other trail users were invited recently to celebrate the opening of six more miles of the route that ultimately will be 35 miles long.

The grand opening celebration featured rides on routes that went from three miles to 12 miles. The asphalt paved trail is 10 feet wide. Use of the trail is free.

The Kalamazoo River Valley Trail is being constructed and maintained through a partnership between Kalamazoo County, the Park Foundation of Kalamazoo, community residents and businesses.

More than $18 million is needed to develop the trail and create a $2 million endowment to pay for its maintenance in the future.  To date, nearly $11 million has been raised for the project.

The plan is for 53 percent of that to come from state, federal and local government.

The remaining 47 percent has been or will be donated by individuals, businesses and foundations in the community. About 40 percent of the total needed has been raised, but more needs to be raised to keep putting trail on the ground. To donate, check out the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail website.

When the trail is completed and linked to others in the area, there will be more than 140 miles of trail – connecting together the Battle Creek Linear Park, and Portage Bicentennial Park Trail Kal-Haven State Park Trail that reaches Lake Michigan.

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: David Rachowicz, Kalamazoo County Parks and Recreation