By Joyce Williams
NKFM 

NKFM receives grant to develop Inkster water trail design

 

Theresa Tejada and Darne Wilbern stand next to a Water Trail display that educates the community about how to enjoy the peacefulness of the water

ANN ARBOR - The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) recently received a $45,000 grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. The funds will cover design development for the new multi-purpose trailhead in Inkster Park that will link the existing Lower Rouge Greenway (a paved bike/pedestrian trail that runs through the park) to the Lower Rouge River Water Trail. The Inkster Park multi-purpose trailhead will feature a universally accessible kayak launch. This is part of NKFM's mission to increase physical activity options across southeast Michigan through the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant that the NKFM has from the Centers for Disease Control.

The NKFM, the Friends of the Rouge (FOTR), the Inkster Task Force, the City of Inkster and Wayne County Parks have formed the Inkster project team, a subcommittee of the Lower Rouge River Water Trail Leadership Committee. The team is working to guide the Inkster Park Trailhead project through to completion. The project team also helps facilitate community engagement and gather input on trailhead features and amenities.

PEA Group, who has worked with Wayne County Parks and FOTR on multiple trailhead designs for the Lower Rouge River Water Trail, has been retained to complete design development. This process is a first step toward the goal of a universally accessible Rouge River in the City of Inkster for recreation and enjoyment. Once the design is complete, PEA will begin construction documents and seek permits to start building. The project team will continue to seek funding to support each step in the process.

Once constructed, the Inkster Park multi-purpose trailhead will provide a unique opportunity for Inkster residents to be physically active and enjoy the outdoors. It will also be beneficial for all communities along the water trail. Area residents have stated that they enjoy the peaceful, restorative aspects of nature and the Rouge River, and are excited about having new recreational opportunities nearby.

Equitable and meaningful access to the river is at the heart of this effort. It is part of the FOTR's work to establish a 29-mile water trail and a network of connected greenway trails on the Lower Rouge River. Multi-purpose trailheads with universal river access are at various stages of development on the trail. Upon completion, the Lower Rouge River Water Trail will run from Canton to the Detroit River. More access points, particularly in communities historically blocked off from the river, will allow paddlers with varying skills and experience to enjoy recreational trips.

Through the REACH project, the NKFM, community organizations and stakeholders strive to improve policies, systems, and environmental conditions that impact health, particularly among African American and Latinx populations, who experience a disproportionate risk of chronic diseases and socioeconomic disparities.

For more information on the REACH project, visit https://www.reachhealthmi.org or call 1-866-574-1574. For more information on the NKFM, visit https://www.nkfm.org or call 800-482-1455.

 

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