Local officials celebrated the opening of a new pedestrian bridge in Port Huron yesterday, linking two local schools and helping to complete a regional trail network. Randy Maiers, president of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, tells WPHM why the new bridge over the Black River Canal is so important.
“We really wanted to look for something impactful that connected residents and neighborhoods and schools,” said Maiers. “Let’s connect Port Huron Northern with Holland Woods on a key section of the trail, and one of the most scenic sections of the trail.”
“We took the idea to the City of Port Huron and Port Huron Schools, and they loved it,” added Maiers.
The nearly two million dollar bridge was funded largely by donations from the Community Foundation and the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, as well as smaller individual contributions. Maiers adds completing an integrated trail system can be a large economic draw by connecting neighboring communities. Up next this year is completing gaps in the Bridge-to-Bay Trail in both St. Clair and Marysville.
