LAFF Pathway Update-Sept. 2019

You may have seen an invitation to a LAFF Pathways “Next Steps” meeting scheduled for October 16th come through in an email.  That meeting will be rescheduled in 2020.  This email will provide you with an update on planning for non-motorized pathways in our communities.

Many are asking where the non-motorized pathways initiative stands since the millage didn’t pass this spring.  It is clear from our surveys that the communities still want pathways, what they do not want is higher taxes.  Taking this in mind the LAFF Pathway Board has been reviewing options to move forward in bringing pathways to our communities.  We are excited to say we have set achievable goals and have a path forward to reach them.

First some history:  A desire for non-motorized pathways in the LAFF area was an often-heard request from citizens like yourself for many years.  In 2009 a group of like-minded residents formed LAFF Pathways to support the communities in getting pathways on the ground.  The team worked with our four municipalities to include pathways on their five-year Parks and Recreation Plans, and raise funds for the initial engineering costs necessitated by the plans.  The group worked with Southern Lakes Parks and Recreation (SLPR) to strengthen the commitment to bringing non-motorized pathways to the area.  They also helped the community leadership with fundraising and grant writing initiatives. The result so far is a fully funded pathway from Linden to Argentine that will be placed on the ground in 2021.  The next step is to team with SLPR, Linden, Fenton Township and Fenton to fund, design, and complete the Silver Lake Corridor non-motorized pathway between the City of Fenton, through Fenton Township and into the City of Linden.  After the Silver Lake corridor is complete efforts will continue to expand pathways to the rest of the region.

Since 2015, the Board, volunteers and supporters associated with the LAFF Pathways organization have raised $150,000.  These funds have enabled LAFF Pathway to support the pre-engineering and design of non-motorized pathways, to provide matching funds for grants, and to expand the awareness of the benefits non-motorized pathways provide.

The LAFF Pathway Board’s plan is to undertake a major fundraising campaign over the next three years, this will be a continuation of our fundraising events of Flannel and Furs and the recent Peabody Cider Cycle but will include additional events.  In addition, we plan to maintain our attendance at local municipality meetings for awareness of, and supportive statements about, their non-motorized pathway initiatives.

How can you help? We will be sending out the annual fall donation request letter in November.  This is a great tax-deductible method to support the initiative.  You can support the LAFF Pathways’ efforts by keeping your spheres of influence updated and aware of LAFF’s initiatives.  If you have knowledge of website design, sales, event planning, fund raising, or grant writing, we need your help.  Please like us on Facebook and visit our website http://www.laffpathways.com to learn more.
Thank you for your support moving non-motorized pathways in our community from a dream to reality.
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​LAFF Board of Directors