Benton Township Trustees have been briefed on plans for a new trail development along M-63.
At a meeting this week, Zach Vaughn with Cornerstone Alliance said the organization is teaming up with the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission, the Whirlpool Foundation, and more to put in more than three miles of paved trail. He told us this trail will connect Whirlpool’s Lakeview bike trail to the trails at Harbor Shores.
“We’re going to focus on the M63 corridor,” Vaughn said, “That would be the connecting link, if you will, between Monte Road, just north of Whirlpool’s campus, to Higman Park Drive.”
Vaughn said this all ties into the Berrien County Trails Master Plan, which was developed with the help of the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission.
The project would not come with any cost to Benton Township.
“We would love their support. This is a larger trail vision that has garnered the support of other municipalities. We would love to see the township support the activity that other municipalities have stamped their approval on to.”
Vaughn said the eventual goal is to connect trails throughout Berrien County with trails in other counties and states. Supporters are securing funding this year and hope work can start next year.
Benton Township Treasurer Debbie Boothby said she’s excited for the project.
