City of Saginaw, Michigan

August 24, 2023 Saginaw, MI – The City of Saginaw Department of Public Services will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Saginaw Riverfront/Iron Belle Trail at Wickes Park, on Monday, August 28, at 1 p.m. The ceremony will take place at 1931 Fordney at the north end of the trail on Wickes Park Drive.

 

On July 12 2021, City Council accepted a grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund (MDNRTF) for the development and construction of the Riverfront/Iron Belle Trail through Wickes Park. The total cost of the project was $879,201 and was partially funded through the MDNRTF grant in the amount of $300,000.

 

The park improvements include a new separated trail along Wickes Park Drive from East Street (M-13) to the basketball courts north of Navel Reserve Drive. A portion of Wickes Park Drive from the basketball courts north of Naval Reserve Drive to Fordney Street will be closed to vehicular traffic and converted to a non-motorized pathway. Lighting has also been installed along the trail to enhance security. The work was completed throughout 2022 and the summer of 2023, and the enhanced pathway is now ready for park visitors to enjoy.

 

Phil Karwat, Director of Public Services commented, “As we looked at the various options, we considered what would create the greatest enhancement to our existing trail system and keep a large portion of Wickes Park Drive open to vehicular traffic. We selected an option that will keep a main portion of the drive open for vehicles from M-13 to the basketball courts and create a safer environment for non-motorized traffic due to the separation from vehicular traffic. The increased lighting also creates a safer environment for all visitors. This option ultimately allows the city to focus on enhancing our nonmotorized pathway and making future improvements to Wickes Park, including increased access to the park for residents and improvements to the playground and the basketball courts.”

 

The new pathway at Wickes Park is part of the Iron Belle Trail, a statewide trail that spans from Detroit up to Ironwood, Michigan. Citizens who visit Wickes Park can enjoy a wide range of nature-oriented activities, including access to the Saginaw River for fishing, kayaking, and other outdoor recreation.

 

For more information on Wickes Park and other city parks and facilities, please contact the Parks and Facilities Division at (989) 759-2191.

###