Reviltalizing the Grand River Corridor: Activating the River Rouge

Abstract

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.