Friends of the Lakelands Trail and Friends of Island Lake Recreation Area are hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony dedicated to the new Island Lake Trail Connector opening to the public at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 8, located in Green Oak Village Place, near the mall’s kiosk by JCPenney.
“It’s incredibly important to us that we show our support in Brighton community advancements that promote healthy, safe and fun outdoor activities,” said Sean Valentino, director of retail operations at REDICO, the property manager at Green Oak Village Place. “Livingston County bike enthusiasts, avid hikers and families can now look forward to enjoying a walk that connects you to the beautiful Island Lake Recreation Area.”
The Trail, sponsored by the Friends of the Lakelands Trail and Friends of Island Lake Recreation Area, is one of the final pieces connecting the Great Lake to Lake Trail (GLLT) stretching from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron. The $300,000 project was made possible by the generous contribution from Michael Levine, a long-time supporter of the Lakeland Trail and prime mover for the completion of the GLLT.
“We have been working with the Township and Trails organizations since the 80s, and it’s exciting to see results on the ground,” said Jim Fackert, a Green Oak Township resident and trail enthusiast. “Green Oak Township will soon expand the trail further westward, to unite with the Lakeland Trail in Hamburg.”
In addition to Mike Levine, other community figures attending in the ceremony include Ronald Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division; Paul Yauk, Michigan State Trails coordinator; and Green Oak Township Supervisor Mark St. Charles. After the ribbon cutting, there will be a kick-off bike riding tour open to all who attend.
