On February 9, 2019, WCPARC, HWPI, Huron Clinton Metroparks and the WCRC hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction on a 1.2 mile segment of the B2B beginning at the Dexter-Huron Metropark, heading east to Zeeb Road. This trail segment will include two bridges spanning the Huron River, and is anticipated to open this fall. Thanks to everyone who came out to show their support. Together we will build the B2B!
❄️ Most of us have already enjoyed the first snow of the season. It's finally time for fun cold-weather activities! ☃️ Time to review some winter-friendly guidelines to #recreatereponsibly this winter - Let it snow!
recreateresponsibly.orgMichiganders! Are you ready to get outside this winter? The Recreate Responsibly coalition just released new winter-friendly guidelines! Tell your friends to #recreatereponsibly this winter!
recreateresponsibly.org
🍂 HWPI is excited to spotlight B2B Trail Partner: Peter Sanderson - Principal Park Planner with Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission (WCPARC) and the project lead for much of the planning, design, and day-to-day B2B operations for the organization. A Licensed Landscape Architect with degrees from MSU and UM, Peter has worked for WCPARC since 2011.
Since the late 90s when the idea of the trail was conceived, WCPARC has been the lead public agency on the B2B project, working to form partnerships with other municipalities and organizations to plan, design, and construct the trail. Peter explains, “Partnerships are vital to the success of the trail and we are excited to be working with HWPI, which has expanded the definition, the reach, and expediency of the progress of the trail.”
“The trail is like a Swiss army knife,” states Sanderson, “its multifaceted nature lets it fulfill many different needs. It connects people from all walks of life together. The B2B links a host of destinations together while capitalizing on our area’s first-class parks system, the river, and natural areas. It promotes safety, while being both a transportation corridor and a recreational destination for anyone who wants to use the trail, whether they are a commuter, an elite runner, a person with mobility limitations, or a child learning to ride a bike.”
Peter is from Ann Arbor where he has spent most of his life and currently resides with his wife, Megan. He is an outdoor enthusiast and spends as much time as possible biking, backpacking, running, competing in triathlons, paddling, and skiing.
Peter shares a story from this summer about an encounter he had on the B2B. “This summer, I had just finished a mountain bike ride at the DTE Trail in the Waterloo Recreation area and was riding the B2B back to the Green Lake Campground where my wife and I were camping for the weekend. When I got to the tunnel under M-52, which was 95% complete at the time, I came across a gentleman who was talking to our construction inspector, John. The man was in his late 70s and was not from the area but had driven out to ride his bike on the DTE trail, which he had heard was excellent. He realized that the mountain bike trail was too difficult for him but he was ecstatic to find the B2B just across the street, which he described as “just his speed!” It is satisfying to be able to meet the needs of so many members of the community and to see people using and enjoying the trail.”
Sanderson says, “The support and hard work provided by my colleagues at WCPARC, HWPI, our partners, and the community is invaluable. It is wonderful to be part of a team of dedicated people who are helping to make this project a reality!”
Thank you, Peter, for your tireless dedication to creating this amazing trail that provides access to the outdoors and builds community across Washtenaw County.
Awesome job Peter. Well deserved! I really appreciate being able to work along side you and see firsthand all your efforts in coordinating the partnerships that make the B2B and other community trail networks come together. You truly represent what Landscape Architects contribute towards creating places for people to experience and enjoy!
Way to go Pete!! 🥰❤️
I'm so proud of this trail and all work you've done! Great photo😍
Thank you so much for your wonderful contributions.
📣 Wed., December 2, 7p.m. | Share your feedback during an online public meeting about the proposed B2B pedestrian tunnel beneath the railroad by Bandemer Park. Details below!Please join the The City Of Ann Arbor - Government and the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 7-8 p.m. for an electronic public meeting about the proposed pedestrian tunnel beneath the railroad by Bandemer Park. During this meeting we will review project goals, share the feasibility study recommendations and refined design based on community feedback and discuss a proposal to extend the Border-to-Border trail through Barton Nature Area. We would like to hear your thoughts and additional feedback before moving to next steps on this project.
For questions or comments, please contact Hillary Hanzel, Park Planner at hhanzel@a2gov.org or call 734.794.6230 ext. 42548.
For the Zoom meeting link please visit their website:
www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/administrative/Pages/Park-Planning.aspx
