Community: Sandusky
Population: 2,500-9,999
The City of Sandusky is installing a non-motorized pathway which stretches over one mile, to safely connect our citizens from their neighborhoods to the commercial and service districts. This pathway will also provide recreational opportunities for our citizens. The path will run along the south side of M-46 and will be 10-feet wide with benches and trees placed along the mile stretch. Located on the north side of M-46 there will be a newly developed path that is 6-feet wide and stretches over 1,000 feet, with new trees and benches along the path as well.
The pathway was made possible with the collaboration of the Rising Tide Program, City of Sandusky, CDBG funding through the MEDC, MDOT, and Sanilac County drain enclosure funding. This project exemplifies what can happen if all levels of government work together for the betterment of our citizens and community.
Replicability:
This project is very easy to replicate in other communities because the basis of the design goes back to complete streets and MDOT designs of non-motorized pathways. The hardest part is finding the funding sources and all levels of government working together.
Creativity and Originality:
This is a very dynamic project for the Sandusky community. It not only changes our entire corridor coming into the city, but it provides a much needed pedestrian access to our community. Sandusky is a low-moderate income community and many citizens don't have a vehicle or rely on other means of transportation. Over the years, there have been many pedestrian/vehicle accidents due to citizens having to navigate along the edge of the road next to vehicles.
The non-motorized pathway project has been a dream of the city for over a decade but it saw many obstacles which were too great to overcome. Governor Snyder’s Project Rising Tide initiative helped the project grow into what it is today. It was exciting to see government on all levels knock down their "silos” and come together for the betterment of the citizens. This project saw many levels of involvement and funding sources, and was a true collaboration with the City of Sandusky, MEDC, MDOT, Michigan Works, Sanilac County Drain Office, and the Sandusky business district.
Community Impact:
Community members young and seasoned will be able to safely enjoy the new path to connect with local shopping, restaurants, banks, and service-related businesses. The citizens will also be able to use the pathway for recreation to enjoy our rural area. Phase 2 of the project will eventually connect this pathway to our park system which already has pedestrian and bicycle pathways. People no longer have the worry of how to get to this area on the edge of the roadway and worry about being hit by a vehicle traveling at 35 mph or faster. This pathway is for everyone, whether they use an amigo, wheelchair, stroller, bike, or their own two feet . They can safely enjoy this area and even stop at one of the benches along the pathway to rest.
