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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 5, 2015
Contact: Kurt Maxwell, 269-637-2788
DNR announces completion of Van Buren Trail Spur $460,000 trail-paving project
 The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced that the Van Buren Trail Spur now is open for visitors. The 4.5-mile stretch, topped with a 10-foot-wide asphalt surface, connects Van Buren State Park to the South Haven Trail system. The city maintains a marked route that connects to a downtown trailhead, city businesses, beaches and Kal-Haven Trail State Park.
“This is a really exciting improvement, not only for state park visitors, but for anyone coming to South Haven to experience all that the area has to offer,” said Kurt Maxwell, local DNR land manager. “Visitors will be able to travel from the state park to South Haven on a paved hiking/biking path separate from vehicle traffic.”
“The city of South Haven is thrilled to see the completion of the Van Buren Trail Spur. The newly paved section of trail is a wonderful connection from South Haven’s downtown to the Van Buren State Park’s wonderful natural areas and Lake Michigan beach,” said South Haven Mayor Robert Burr. “South Haven is proud to offer a variety of pedestrian paths, and this new trail is a wonderful community addition.”
The trail section is open to foot traffic, bicycles and nonmotorized, wheeled devices such as roller skates and skateboards, as well as cross-country skis and snowshoes. Snowmobiles are not permitted because the surface will not hold up to the studded tracks. Snowmobilers still will be able to utilize the Van Buren Trail section to Hartford as they have in the past.
The Van Buren Trail Spur splits off from the Van Buren Trail State Park near 16th Avenue. The newly paved stretch was acquired from Consumers Energy in the mid-1990s. The former railroad grade originally was used to help construct the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant. The DNR and the federal government provided funding for the $464,800 project, and the Michigan Department of Transportation engineered and provided project oversight.
“On the first day the trail was open, I saw two people on roller blades pushing a stroller," said Maxwell. "It was great to see a family enjoying the new surface in such a fun and unique way without having to worry about vehicles buzzing by them.
For more information about Van Buren State Park or the Van Buren Trail Spur, contact Kurt Maxwell at maxwellj@michigan.gov or 269-637-2788.
Inside Michigan’s Great Outdoors subscribers are always the first to know about reservation opportunities, state park events and other outdoor happenings. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr to subscribe now.
There is no fee to use the trail; however, a Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry to Van Buren State Park. There is no cost to park at the City Downtown Trailhead.
To check camping availability and make a reservation, please visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-44PARKS (1-800-447-2757).
Learn more about how the Recreation Passport gains you access to Michigan state parks and more at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.
/Editors’ note: An accompanying photo is available below for download. A suggested caption follows.
Van_Buren_Trail: South Haven resident Lindsey Smith enjoys a ride on the newly paved Van Buren Trail Spur./
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
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