Grant funding will improve Children's Trail access for a better experience

Paul Welitzkin, Cheboygan Daily Tribune

CHEBOYGAN — Dale Rieger and his wife Connie have been involved with the Children's Trail in Cheboygan since 2018 when the path was developed. They have watched the trail evolve into a must-see for children and their families and become a tourist attraction.

Dale, who also serves as chairman of the City of Cheboygan Parks and Recreation Commission, believes the trail has helped to bridge some of the divide that can occur at times in a community.

"We may live in contentious times but the generosity from those on both sides of the political aisle for this trail has been overwhelming," he said.

Last fall, the trail received a significant boost when it was awarded $871,000 as part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resource's Spark Grant funding. The funding is designed to help local communities create, renovate and redevelop public recreation opportunities for residents and visitors.

Rieger said the grant will enable the trail to offer universal access to the trail, especially for those who are handicapped. Right now the trail is covered in wood chips, and while the chips provide a natural setting along the the Cheboygan River, it can be difficult for those in a wheelchair or with limited mobility to maneuver on it.

"Being able to increase accessibility to everyone is something that will make the trail a better experience," said Rieger. "We want to pave the trails and create a small parking lot so those with disabilities will be be able to park closer to the trail. We also want to add more fishing piers (right now there are four along the river) with the goal of making those available to the handicapped."

Rieger said the trail doesn't receive any tax dollars.

"Volunteers and donations keep it going," he said.

Rieger said Scott Hancock, the city's parks and recreation director, has devoted a lot of time to the maintenance and upkeep of the trail.

Dale Rieger at the Children's Trail in Cheboygan along the Cheboygan River. The trail was the recipient of a state grant totaling $871,000 to improve access for the handicapped by paving the trail, expanding the fishing piers along the river and building a small parking lot near the start to provide better access.
Dale Rieger at the Children's Trail in Cheboygan along the Cheboygan River. The trail was the recipient of a state grant totaling $871,000 to improve access for the handicapped by paving the trail, expanding the fishing piers along the river and building a small parking lot near the start to provide better access.

Located near the parks and recreation center at 400 Cleveland Ave., the trail came about when a community resident inquired if a trail could be built along the east side of the Cheboygan River downstream from the paper mill. Rieger eventually discovered that the DNR controlled the current site of the trail and it subsequently was given to the city under a 99-year lease, according to Rieger.

Dale and Connie had volunteered their time at a remote state park in Florida located on an island with no bridge or electricity.

"We created two trails and a road for fire trucks. So we knew something about making a trail," he said.

When the Riegers walked the property they couldn't believe what was there.

"We discovered an animal trail on the property and we got to the ridge that rises above the river. Everything was in bloom like the apple and pear trees and the lilac bushes. It was a magnificent view," Dale recalled.

Rieger said Dick Sanford promised enough financial support for the Riegers to see if they could establish a trail on the property. Besides the Riegers and Sanford, volunteers with axes and chainsaws came and carved a trail a third of a mile long that opened in 2018.

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The goal of the Children’s Trail is to encourage children to become engaged with nature while promoting storytelling, reading and discovery.

"Now this has really expanded. There is a painting of the (U.S.) Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw and a statue dedicated to Rosie the Riveter," Rieger said.

There is a pavilion to mark the beginning of the trail, which includes 16 stations that contain passages from popular children's stories. Rieger said a recent addition to the trail is a memorial grove where a family can plant a tree in a designated area to honor a deceased child.

The trail has now become a top tourist attraction for Cheboygan. It draws in thousands every year — both adults and children — mainly from nearby cities like Alpena, Gaylord and Petoskey.

At a city council meeting in March, Cheboygan City Manager Dan Sabolsky said he would soon be opening bids for the grant funded improvements.

— Contact Paul Welitzkin at pwelitzkin@gaylordheraldtimes.com.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Grant funding will improve Cheboygan Children's Trail access for a better experience

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