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47 responses so far ↓
Lisa // 12/11/2008 at 2:50 pm
I think that the rail trail should be extended to Chesaning because it gives kids and teenagers healthy things to do in their spare time. My sisters and I love to go to the rail trail in St. Charles to walk, ride bikes, and rollerblade but we can’t always take the time to drive all of the way to St. Charles. With the rail trail extended to Chesaning would be able to get their faster and spend more time walking than in the car.
Thank you!
Angie M // 12/11/2008 at 7:10 pm
I have walked the Rail Trail in St. Charles many times and it is so relaxing to walk and enjoy nature without worrying about traffic. It would be wonderful for the people of Chesaning to enjoy the same luxury. Our families, young and old, could walk and bike the trail. We are looking forward to the day that the Rail Trail is extended from St. Charles to Chesaning.
Nola M // 12/11/2008 at 9:38 pm
I am VERY much in favor of an extention of the rail trail to Chesaning. I think it would be HUGELY beneficial to this area. I would very much appreciate access to a SAFE place to exercise outside in the fresh air. I would use it regularly.
John R // 12/11/2008 at 10:26 pm
Regarding a rail trail into Chesaning: It is my understanding that hunting will be prohibited on private property along any rail trail that would be created between Chesaning and St. Charles. If this is correct I strongly oppose the trail! I would appreciate an answer.
Thank you.
Robert B // 12/12/2008 at 7:19 am
After watching your video on the Saginaw Valley Rail Trails you must extend the trails into Chesaning. The tourism dollars it would generate for Chesaning and Saginaw would be very beneficial for both parties. I own The Stone House Bed & Breakfast in Chesaning and this would be a great attraction for our guess to use. I’m for it, and I’m willing to help in anyway to bring it to Chesaning.
Kim H // 12/12/2008 at 8:04 am
Greeting from Chesaning….you remember Chesaning right? We are in Saginaw County….we even host the yearly fair now. However, it seems you’ve forgotten us.
Where is the rails to trails bike trail for my children? Where do I walk with my girls on a sunny afternoon?
I’d like very much for you to heavily consider completing the trail in my community. Chesaning has a wonderful reputation for these types of projects. One only needs to look at Mr. Tom Meder, Mr. Randy Michaleisi, The Showboat folks, etc to see that.
I will see you at the Dec. 18 meeting.
Thank you.
Cathy G // 12/12/2008 at 8:49 am
The addition of a bike trail between Chesaning and St. Charles would be a perfect fit with the current trail. The community of Chesaning is so excited about the restructuring of our dam located downtown which will provide kyaking and boating activities on our Shiawassee River. A bike trail from Chesaning through St. Charles would be a wonderful extension of providing another outdoor activity in our beautiful rural area. The communties would certainly take advantage of such an opportunity and work to provide an enjoyable environment for all who pass through.
JULIE // 12/12/2008 at 3:00 pm
The rail trail would be a great asset to Chesaning! The thoughts of a safe place to ride bikes, walk, and roller blade are great. The trail in St. Charles is used frequently by the people as well as Chesaning people that drive over to use the facilities. The thoughts of having our own trail would be wonderful.
jerry n // 12/12/2008 at 6:07 pm
For the last year I have not been able to use the trail as I would like to. I live in Chesaning and some times I don’t have the opportunity to or fill lucky enough to ride the back roads to St Charles. If the trail would come as far to Chesaning it would be more acessible to myself and I’m sure many others in my comunity that enjoy a safe way to exercise and enjoy the out of doors. Thank You for your time.
Helen // 12/12/2008 at 9:10 pm
Please make the extension of the Saginaw Valley Rail Trail from St. Charles to Chesaning one of your priorities. It will bring a ‘breath of fresh air’ to our Chesaning community.
Judie G // 12/12/2008 at 9:19 pm
I would be so excited to have the rail trail extended to Chesaning. I now walk with a group of girls in St. Charles and it would be so great not to have to drive in order to walk some where were it is so peaceful and pleasant. It is not the same as walking in town on sidewalks or out of town where I live on the road fighting cars. Please for myself and all those who love to get out and get some fresh air while exercising let this become a reality.
cindy // 12/13/2008 at 12:37 pm
I love to bike but unfortunately I don’t get to share this passion much with my children because I fear for them on the roads because of my own experiences with vehicular traffic while on my bike (Despite the fact I wear very bright clothing and a helmet). I just don’ think drivers around here watch enough for bikers. We’ve been to the rail trail several times–but truthfully packing up 3 bikes and driving 12 miles is cumbersome. To have a local trail would be fabulous. We also frequent Saginaw County’s other parks. Price Nature center and Ringwood forest are wonderful for cross country skiing, and letterbox hunting(although we never found the box-it was fun looking). Both parks the several times we’ve been there have unfortunately been under populated. The rail trail in contrast has always been busy–therefore I think it’s money well spent developing something that will be utilized.
JOSEPH C. // 12/14/2008 at 5:07 am
CHESANING NEEDS THIS! THERE ARE SO FEW RECREATIONAL THINGS FOR OUR CHILDREN TO DO. THIS OPENS THE DOOR FOR WALKING,BIKING,ROLLER BLADING IN A SAFE ENVIROMENT TOGETHER. I THINK RAILTRAILS ARE ONE OF THE BEST IDEAS EVER. =)
Kathy S. // 12/14/2008 at 7:59 am
According to data gathered through the Memorial Fit Kids program, an alarming percent of Chesaning area children are at risk of developing serious health problems in the future due in part to their inactivity. Extending the railtrail to the Chesaning area would help all area citizens to become more fit and healthy and especially help our younsters in developing healthy habits. Please give serious consider in helping Chesaning area residents in their goal to becoming healthier.
Beverly // 12/14/2008 at 10:57 am
I have driven to St. Charles to use the trail but not that often it would be nice if it came into Chesaning right now the Rail Road is a waste other than when the train goes to the Fair grounds or the elevator
Louie E // 12/14/2008 at 2:36 pm
I understand many towns are experiencing the downturn in the economy, but I can’t help but wonder if Chesaning started earlier and therefore has been impacted by it more than others. Being able to say that we can offer rails to trails in our area could be the difference and encourage others to visit our town and bring in some needed cash-flow. In addition, the local residents will benefit from it. During these hard times, it becomes important to get back to the things that are really important to us “family” and “community”. This will allow families to enjoy these facilities and be proud to be part of what is already considered a huge success “Rails to Trails”.
Anonymous // 12/15/2008 at 12:14 pm
Having the railtrail come to Chesaning would be a great asset to our community. The rail trail is a beautiful, peaceful and safe way for us all to get some much needed excercise. With our hectic lives (adults and children) we don’t have the time to drive to St.Charles to get on the trail. I believe that this will give our “bored” children an alternative way to run off thier “steam” then to be destructive.
Amber // 12/15/2008 at 12:15 pm
Having the railtrail come to Chesaning would be a great asset to our community. The rail trail is a beautiful, peaceful and safe way for us all to get some much needed excercise. With our hectic lives (adults and children) we don’t have the time to drive to St.Charles to get on the trail. I believe that this will give our “bored” children an alternative way to run off thier “steam” then to be destructive.
Brenda // 12/15/2008 at 12:24 pm
The extension of the rail trail to CHesaning would be a wonderful thing! IT would provide easier access as well as a greater distance to walk/ride. Michigan needs all the help it can get to promote health and physical fitness! And the rail trail provides this in a family friendly way!
Steph // 12/15/2008 at 2:17 pm
I think it would be great for the Rail Trail to extend into Chesaning. Personally, I would rather travel the Rail Trail from my own town rather than driving 15 minutes and then traveling it.
Kevin C // 12/15/2008 at 2:22 pm
If the rail trail would continue to Chesaning, it would help boost the economy of the county by bringing in more Tourism. Also Chesaning is looking into doing a Heritage Route on M57 to M15. This would help link Saginaw County with Genessee County bringing people from that area. Chesaning could use a boost that other parts of the county are getting with the HSC expansion. It makes sense continuing the trail, to go with the park projects that are in the works.
Nellie D // 12/15/2008 at 3:49 pm
Please bring us back into Saginaw County and move that priority up on the extention of rails to trails from St. Charles to Chesaning. I too, have packed up my bike in the back of the car and drove into St. Charles. It is a 3o minute round trip to get to use the trails. Chesaning needs it and we have alot to offer anyone who comes here to utilize it too! We love the trails!
Bobbi // 12/15/2008 at 4:23 pm
I think extending the rail trail to Chesaning would be great.. My kids and I have drove to St. Charles to use theirs, and it is wonderful. The trail would be a great asset to our community.
Gary A // 12/15/2008 at 6:38 pm
The existing section from St. Charles to Saginaw is clean, well maintained and much used. It makes a lot of sense to extend it to Chesaning, not only giving our local economy a boost, but also returning some of our tax money to this end of the county.
RoseMary S // 12/15/2008 at 9:31 pm
please make the Rail Trail extention a top priority. It would be well received and used often.
Kristin // 12/16/2008 at 8:15 am
I see no reason to delay the development of the Rail Trail extention. It could potentially benefit every citizen, draw visitors and create work for the county.
I must clarify that by benefit for all, I mean the inclusion of those who would require wheelchair access or ergonomic cycles.
Trail User // 12/16/2008 at 10:40 am
I too would love to be able to use the trail closer to home! I currently load up the bikes or roller blades and head to St. Charles or Montrose.
I inevitably end up making a stop to make the trip more economical (grocery store, gas station, etc) and would much rather spend locally!
Carol // 12/16/2008 at 10:51 am
Please consider extending the rail trail into Chesaning. As another commenter mentioned, our community has a great track record when it comes to supporting projects like this. I know you will have an enthusiastic, engaged group of supporters to help you in this process.
Dale and Mary Ellen // 12/16/2008 at 1:41 pm
It’s our dream. What an asset it would be for Chesaning and the southern part of the county. We will continue to put our efforts in to making it a reality.
Bruce C. // 12/16/2008 at 3:04 pm
At present, our family all exercise, but seldom use the county’s beautiful biking / hiking trails because they are not yet connected to the village of Chesaning.
We hope that priority will be given to extend and open up the Rails to Trails program to our southern part of the county, so that we too will have direct access to this wonderful recreational gem!
The County Parks and Rec. Commission deserve high praise for a wonderful job done so far! The St. Charles to Saginaw section that I’ve occasionally used provides a wide, smooth, paved path with convenient stops, benches and overlooks.
Don’t we in Southern Saginaw County deserve the same services offered to our friends in the northern part of our county?
Sincerely, Bruce C, Chesaning, MI
Chuck // 12/16/2008 at 3:09 pm
Connecting the Chesaning community to the rest of the park system is a must. With a great local park system, the Saginaw County Fair Grounds immediatly adjacent to the railway, as well as all the other amenities available the enhancement can not be understated.
Cori H // 12/16/2008 at 10:06 pm
My family and I hope you decide to make the Trail Extension to Chesaning a top priority for 2009! Our community not only will be eager to use the trail, but we have an active core of volunteers that would be happy to help with the trail. Please extend the trail to us!
MB // 12/17/2008 at 6:37 am
Whether on bikes, roller blades, in wheelchairs or on foot………all ages will use the trail! I live in St. Charles and enjoy seeing people in all sorts of weather improving their health by exercising!
Dallas B // 12/17/2008 at 6:37 pm
We use the rail trail in St. Charles, and it’s a great family opportunity. Bringing it to Chesaning would be wonderful. I’m sure many residents would be delighted, and it would get used!
Pam // 12/17/2008 at 6:58 pm
I love to go to St. Charles to ride bikes on the rail trail. It would save so much time to have it extended to Chesaning. I know it would be great for the entire community.
Steve K // 12/17/2008 at 8:45 pm
Please keep the extension of the Saginaw Valley Rail Trail into Chesaning in your plans for the future. As president of the Chesaning Chamber of Commerce, I believe this is something that will help Chesaning’s economy as people will come to our town to get on the trail and ride to St. Charles or ride from Shields and St. Charles to Chesaning. We need projects like this to make our county shine as we fight to market the Saginaw Valley as a place for people to visit and live. People who live in this area and surrounding areas will support and use this trail. Let’s get this done!
Sandy H. // 12/18/2008 at 8:45 am
Extending the rail trail from St. Charles to Chesaning would be great. I currently drive and haul my bikes to St. Charles. being able to just get on the trail in Chesaning would be wonderful since we would be able to use it more and my kids would love it. It helps bring small communities together!!
Christi M // 12/18/2008 at 8:08 pm
Fitness has always been a priority in my life. A Rail Trail would be a wonderful additon to any community. It is something that can be used by young and old alike. I feel that supporting the Chesaning to St. Charles Rail Trail expansion should certainly be a top priority for the Saginaw Parks and Recreation five year plan. Anything that brings families together, offers fitness opportunities and does not cost money to use is certainly worth serious consideration.
Judy H // 12/19/2008 at 12:02 am
I would really enjoy the trail coming to Chesaning,
when we have our grandkids over, it is a safe and fun thing to do with them. It is showing them how you can have fun get, good excerise , with out spending money. But it is hard for us to take them and their bikes to St. Charles. We need the exerise!
(( *_* )) Thank you, Judy
Roger W. // 12/19/2008 at 6:01 pm
The expansion of the rails to trails from St. Charles to Chesaning would be a great addition to Chesaning and a great way for a family to spend time with one another. The trail would provide for cheep family fun when riding or walking from one town to the other. It would also provide a safe and efficient way for citizens to exersize whether that be walking, jogging or biking along the new path.
barbie h // 12/20/2008 at 11:50 am
I would love to see the rail trail come to chesaning . I have used the one in St. Charles and think it is so nice, you never realize how long you have walked. this could benefit so many people and their health.
SANDIE C // 12/21/2008 at 5:35 pm
I THINK THE RAILTRAIL IN CHESANING WOULD BE AMAZING. FAMILY WALKS,
GETTING EXCERCISE TOGETHER, WE USE
ST CHARLES RAIL TRAIL ALL THE TIME IT
WOULD BE GREAT NOT TO HAVE TO DRIVE SO FAR TO HAVE SOME FAMILY RECREATION TIME TOGETHER. I GIVE THE RAIL TRAIL A POSITIVE THUMBS UP.
Renee // 12/27/2008 at 1:42 pm
Chesaning could really benefit with more traffic and customers in our town. The St. Charles trail is great, but I would love one closer to home!
administrator // 12/29/2008 at 4:19 pm
From TEAMTECH1 via mlive.com on Friday, December 26:
I am responding to the invitation written in the Saginaw News to submit ideas for changes/improvements to the Saginaw County Parks.
1) Offer annual parks tag of say $20 like the State of Michigan does for its state parks or for those that may be only a one time visit a daily rate. This would be for Haithco Park only. Or I would by a annual tag to know I could go to any park in the county anytime, even though I rarely use it. A seasonal tag would encourage others to go more often too. I really don’t understand your reasoning for charging a fee to use Immerman Park, its been the county tax payers money that funded the development of the free land given to the county by the Immerman family to memorialize their son. I have read the $30 amount then free, my first thought was this really is not an offer at all and I don’t believe many people remember to ask for the season pass offer after the $30 quota. Not a good idea, good marketing always must be a win – win situation. I remember Immerman Parks growing up as a kid was always packed with families full of children for family reunions and Boy Scouts camping over night, since your implementation of a fee for use rarely do I see the park full anymore. So this leads me to ask where the money is coming from to pay your employees? I would pay a $20 annual fee or a special millage to use the parks without a fee for use, your $30 then fee is out of line with the state parks.
2) Strobel Road parking lot and all of the rail trail needs solar lighting for those people (especially women) getting caught on the return trip in the darkness of evening. Bathrooms (at least out houses with sterile hand wash) are needed in this parking lot also. The same needs to be included for the St Charles end of the trail.
I think we as citizens of Saginaw County must understand how fortunate we all are to have such a wonderful county park system that we do. It has been such a joy to know they are there when we need to get away. Thank you!
Dave from Saginaw Twp // 01/05/2009 at 9:04 am
I would just like to say that the trail system is just great. I would like to see it expanded and connected to the Midland trail system. I think the planners of the trail system have done a great job.
Amanda // 01/26/2009 at 7:31 pm
The rail trail is great but what about in the winter when it’s too cold to walk on a trail? What about building a free indoor basketball court?
Gary A // 02/17/2009 at 7:23 am
My family enjoys the present trail very much. We would like to see it extended to Chesaning. I believe along with enhancing family time and recreation it would also help our local economy. Please spend some of our tax money in this part of the county