Metroparks Hosting Ribbon Cutting to Celebrate Improved Nature Trails at Oakwoods Metropark

Join us as we cut the ribbon on improved nature trails at Oakwoods Metropark thanks to Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant of $124,000, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation funding of more than $73,500 and Metroparks matching funds of more than $226,500 to help complete the project.

Scenic woodlands and picturesque views of the Huron River are waiting for you here at Oakwoods Metropark. Our 1,756-acre park features nature trails that meander through mature woodlands, a Nature Center filled with educational displays to discover the great outdoors and history of the area, fishing spots and a designated monarch butterfly waystation.

We are committed to removing barriers and improving access for all park users, and now that experience at Oakwoods Metropark is even better with improved accessibility to our nature center and some surrounding nature trails. A recently completed grant project has made improvements to the parking lot, added barrier free parking spaces, improved the paved walkway to and from the nature center, made bathroom modifications to improve accessibility, replaced the trail surface of our Split Log Nature Trail to be accessible compacted gravel, upgraded a trailside observation deck and added amenities along the way such as picnic tables, drinking station, benches, bike rack and accessible educational signage.

Grant funding was awarded in the amount of $124,000 through the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund to support this project. Funding was also received by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation to increase recreation opportunities in Wayne County Metroparks and was spread across several projects including $73,500 towards this one. The Huron-Clinton Metroparks added more than $226,500 in matching funds from its capital fund, bringing the overall project cost to just over $425,000 in total.

Join us as we celebrate this project with a brief ribbon cutting and preview of the trails followed by a complimentary food truck on site serving up some snacks and a sticker hunt along the new trail with a chance for you to take home some fun Metroparks stickers. Tolling at Oakwoods Metropark will be temporarily suspended from 10am – 11am in order to allow visitors to attend this event for free. Tolling will resume as normal at 11am.

WHEN:

Thursday, May 9 at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE:

Oakwoods Metropark Nature Center – 32911 Willow Road, New Boston, MI, 48164

Enter into the park, take the long drive back to the Nature Center parking lot and head towards the Nature Center entrance.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Brief remarks from staff and a ribbon cutting followed by a sticker hunt along the trail and a complimentary food truck serving up snacks.