Chelsea – Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative (HWPI) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2020 Legacy Builder Awards. These awards are presented to four different individuals, organizations, or business partners that made a significant impact on the Border-to-Border (B2B) Trail across Washtenaw County. The B2B Trail is a non-motorized pathway that connects cities, parks, and many destinations throughout Washtenaw County.
The Legacy Builder Award winners for 2020 are:
Legacy Builder Organization Award – Awarded to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for their commitment to the expansion of the Border-to-Border Trail and focus on the development of universal access recreational opportunities for the entire trail community. The Michigan DNR provided tremendous support in the construction of the pedestrian tunnel which allows trail users to safely cross under M-52 in Chelsea. They also made land available for the site of the first dedicated B2B Trailhead at Lyndon Township. The DNR has continued to expand safe access to the B2B by creating connectivity between the Pinckney and Waterloo Recreation areas, two of Michigan’s most beautiful recreational assets.
Legacy Builder Community Award – Awarded to Michigan Outdoor Freedom Operations (MIOFO) for facilitating the construction of two barrier-free hunting blinds and wildlife viewing blinds available at the Pinckney Recreation Area. These blinds are reached via the B2B Trailhead in Lyndon Township off North Territorial Road. Inclusivity and providing access for all community members is central to the purpose of the Border-to-Border Trail. The work by MIOFO has expanded the accessible hunting infrastructure and opportunities for wildlife watching and photography along the B2B Trail and throughout southern Michigan.
Legacy Builder Volunteer Award – Awarded to Rob and Linda Mahan (Team Mahan) for their hard work and dedication to HWPI in 2020. Team Mahan assisted in candidate screening, interviews and hiring, newsletter and website development, technology support and ongoing assistance on projects when needed. The dedication shown by Team Mahan has been extremely valuable to the organization this year, and years past.
Legacy Builder Donor Award – Awarded to Mary Jane and Steve Olsen for their ongoing financial contributions to HWPI. Mary Jane and Steve became HWPI’s first recurring donors, making the commitment to donating to the organization on a monthly basis. Over the past three years, these recurring contributions have allowed us to work towards our goals such as: building new miles of trail, improving existing trails, adding trail amenities, allowing access to safe pathways, and contributing to the health and wellness of our local community.
Jeff Hardcastle, HWPI Board Chair shared that “We are thankful for the ongoing support that we have received from our partners across the community. Our progress would not have been possible without their hard work, dedication, contributions, and commitment to HWPI and our efforts to complete the B2B Trail.”
For additional information please visit the HWPI website
ABOUT HWPI: Our mission is to facilitate the development of non-motorized recreational pathways and to help link Michigan’s growing network of trails. We are working in partnership with the WCPARC to complete the Border-to-Border Trail and realize our vision of healthy, active and connected communities.
14800 E Old US HWY 12, Chelsea MI, 48118 www.huron-waterloo-pathways.org
