JACKSON, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will be sponsoring a massive facelift for the City of Jackson’s main pedestrian trail.  

The MLK Equality trail that runs from the S. West Ave. to the Optimist rest shelter will receive a $300,000 Trust Fund Grand for resurfacing from the DNR that was announced in December, but will begin resurfacing now after securing the funding. 

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Over the next two years, Jackson will begin reconstructing portions of the more than 30 year old trail focusing on the deteriorating pavement and uneven surfaces according to the City of Jackson.  The city has contributed $222,000 to the efforts, while the DNR secured a total of $1.3 million from state and federal funds to reconstruct the majority of the 2.8 mile trail. 

In 2023, crews will begin work on the trail running from West Prospect Street to South West Avenue.  In the following year, crews will continue work going from S. West Avenue to Optimist rest shelter, and South MLK Drive to West Prospect Street.  Finally, in 2025 they will complete the final stretch from Merriam Street to S. MLK Drive.  

“The MLK Equality Trail is a big asset for residents when it comes to exercise, but also for getting to school and work,” Parks and Recreation Director Kelli Hoover said. “Supporting this kind of infrastructure has a long-lasting benefit for the entire community.” 

While there is currently not enough funding to complete the entire trail renovation, the Parks and Recreation Department is working to acquire the remaining funding for the trail stretching from the Optimist rest shelter to Weatherwax Drive Hoover says. 

Lighting above the trail was also deteriorating, and after construction began in July, the city is continuing to work on the installation of 62 LED lights along the trail from W. Prospect Street to Weatherwax Drive.  

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“The illumination will improve trail safety and allow residents to use it more frequently during the darker months of the year,” the city said in a statement.