Title
Resolution to Approve a Grant Application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grants Management for the Replacement of the South Barton Pedestrian Bridge
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grants Management (MDNRGM) for the replacement of the South Barton Pedestrian Bridge in Barton Nature Area.
The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (NRTF) grant program provides up to $400,000.00 for the development of public outdoor recreation facilities, including picnic areas, playgrounds, athletic fields, tennis courts, and trails. Applications are evaluated based on established criteria such as natural resource access and conservation, proximity to population centers, committed matching funds, financial need, and alignment with Trust Fund Board priorities-particularly regional trail connections such as the Border to Border Trail, which is part of the statewide Iron Belle Trail.
The South Barton Bridge is a 304-foot-long pedestrian bridge spanning the Huron River within Barton Nature Area. The bridge serves as a key connection along both the Border to Border Trail and is located near the recently completed Barton-Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel. With the tunnel now open and providing enhanced access to Barton Nature Area, trail use across the bridge has increased significantly.
Constructed in 1991, the bridge has experienced deterioration of its steel support structure and has reached the end of its useful life. In addition to structural concerns, the existing 8-foot clear width does not meet current bicycle and pedestrian design standards. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) recommends a 14-foot clear width for shared-use bicycle facilities. Replacement of the bridge provides an opportunity to bring the structure up to current standards and improve the overall trail and park user experience.
City staff retained OHM Advisors to conduct a bridge alternatives analysis and develop a preferred concept design and cost estimate. The recommended replacement is a steel beam bridge with a concrete deck. Total project costs, including design and engineering, are estimated at approximately $5,000,000.00.
Given the scale of this capital investment within the City’s park system, outside funding partnerships are essential to advancing the project. An NRTF Development grant could provide up to $400,000.00 toward total project costs. Staff will continue to pursue additional grant opportunities and funding partners to support full project implementation.
A public meeting was held on February 12 to present the proposed improvements, and attendees expressed support for the project.
The Park Advisory Commission unanimously recommended applying for the grant at its February 24, 2026 meeting.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: The funding for this project is anticipated to be provided by a future bond for several Parks and Recreation projects. The Parks Maintenance and Capital Improvement Millage will be the funding source for the bond payments. Parks and Recreation will also explore local funding partners for monetary support for this project.
Staff
Prepared by: Hillary Hanzel, Landscape Architect / Park Planner
Reviewed by: Josh Landefeld, Parks & Recreation Services Manager
Kim Buselmeier, Financial Manager
Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant program provides up to $400,000.00 for the development of public outdoor recreation facilities;
Whereas, The bridge serves as a key connection along both the Border to Border Trail and is located near the recently completed Barton-Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel;
Whereas, The bridge has experienced deterioration of its steel support structure and has reached the end of its useful life;
Whereas, The existing 8-foot clear width does not meet current bicycle and pedestrian design standards;
Whereas, Replacement of the bridge provides an opportunity to bring the structure up to current standards and improve the overall trail and park user experience;
Whereas, City staff retained OHM Advisors to conduct a bridge alternatives analysis and develop a preferred concept design and cost estimate;
Whereas, Total project costs, including design and engineering, are estimated at approximately $5,000,000.00;
Whereas, Given the scale of this capital investment within the City’s park system, outside funding partnerships are essential to advancing the project;
Whereas, An NRTF Development grant could provide up to $400,000.00 toward total project costs;
Whereas, A public meeting was held on February 12 to present the proposed improvements, and attendees expressed support for the project; and
Whereas, The Park Advisory Commission unanimously recommended applying for the grant at its February 24, 2026 meeting;
RESOLVED, That City Council directs the City Administrator to apply to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grants Management for replacing the South Barton Bridge at Barton Nature Area and authorizes the City Administrator to take all necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution, including the execution of all documents required for or incidental to the application process.