Deborah Johnson Wood
A new nature trail that
winds around several ponds in the most undisturbed natural area of
Kent
County's Millennium Park opened last week.
The Hansen Nature Trail, named after donors Dick and Sandy
Hansen who funded the $100,000 project, is just over a half-mile long,
but it connects to more than 20 miles of the Fred Meijer Millennium
Trail Network within the park as well as the Kent Trails system and a
Grand Rapids City Trail along Wealthy St. SE.
The
trail is compliant with the
Americans with Disabilities Act, made of
compacted crushed stone that will accommodate wheelchairs and mountain
bikes. The pathway loops through the property of a former fish hatchery
near the intersection of Butterworth and Riverbend streets. Users can
fish from a wheelchair-accessible fishing deck that extends over one of
the ponds.
"The Hansen Nature Trail adds
another element to the park," says Roger Sabine, director of Kent County
Parks. "It's the most natural area we have that's open with trails, a
little closer to nature than the rest of the trails. There are more
sights and sounds than there might be on other trails because it's a
little less busy."
Millennium Park is open to
the public at no cost, and features age-appropriate playgrounds, picnic
areas and a boardwalk along the water's edge. Access to the swimming
area ranges from $2 to $4 per person per visit, or via a $50 family
pass.
Source: Roger Sabine, Kent County Parks
Department; Kate Washburn,
Wondergem ConsultingDeborah Johnson Wood is
development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at
deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com. Development News tips can be sent to
info@rapidgrowthmedia.com.