The cities of Farmington and Farmington Hills, Michigan have formed the
Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) under the long-term goal of revitalizing
the area around Grand River Avenue. The corridor has been recognized for
its economic potential given its proximity to the Rouge River, the northern
stretch of which flows through town. Long identified as a key natural amenity,
the Rouge River currently lacks integration with the community but shows
great opportunity to transform the Grand River Avenue area. What follows is
an in-depth investigation of the Rouge River’s potential for transformation
into a trail system capable of improving not only economic development in
the area, but community health and well being. To re-engage the community
with the Rouge River, existing ecological conditions and development
patterns in the area were cataloged and used to inform a design proposal
for a trail network system. Integrating the outcome of the ecological survey,
field walks, and the community engagement process, a contiguous trail
system was developed that consists of multiple types of trails, opportunities
for ecological stewardship, and priority sites for larger enhancements such
as parks and commercial activity. Implementation strategies to leverage
opportunities throughout the Rouge River corridor were developed. Included
are results from community engagement, recommendations for invasive
species management, information about conservation easements and
economic impacts of trails, phasing strategies, and recommendations for
improved stormwater management. Three sites were chosen as key locations
to showcase how design elements and proposed implementation strategies
can be integrated along the Rouge River trail system. As a whole this report
presents a grand vision for the Rouge River trail and provides the CIA with
specific tools that can assist the CIA as the cities move forward with the
revitalization of the Grand River Avenue area.