Some background information
This page needs updating to provide more current facts. (3/24/25)
The best map of existing paths and trails is the “2018 Strategy Plan Map” on the township website here: http://www.oaklandtownship.org/township_departments/safety_paths_and_trails_future_plans.php
Expand it to see details adequately.
The following five groups of public bodies have responsibility for paths and trails within the borders of Oakland Township
Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) – using some money from “Parks” millage (0.70490 mills)
- paths and trails within township parks (example – Bear Creek Nature Park)
- Paint Creek Trail within Oakland Township
Homeowners Associations (There are of course many of these).- using their HOA fees
- Paths and trails within and bordering their developments. An example would be the safety paths, including boardwalks surrounding the “block” defined by Dutton, Adams, Silverbell and Brewster. These paths and boardwalks are responsibility of Hills of Oakland, Cloisters, Carrollton Hills, and Claremonte, except for one small segment (the Modetz/adams connection) along the east side of Adams that belongs to the Township. Most township safety paths are the responsibility of homeowners associations.
Huron-Clinton Metroparks – using some of “County HCMA” millage (0.21 mills)
- Some paths in Stony Creek Metropark are within the boundaries of Oakland Township
DNR (Department of Natural Resources) – using state funds from ?
- Paths and trails in Bald Mountain State Recreation Area
Oakland Township Safety Paths and Trails Committee (SPTC) – Using “Trails” millage of 0.16380 mills
This seven member committee oversees the five safety path segments listed on their website and is alwaus building a path or planning one (one path at a time).
- Gallagher Creek Park Path
- Eagle Creek Boardwalk
- The Cider Mill Connector
- Silverbell/Brewster Link
- Modetz/Adams Connection
http://www.oaklandtownship.org/township_departments/accomplishments.php
In addition they are currently overseeing the completion construction of Gallagher Road safety path.
They generally work on a single project at a time. Currently (winter 2021-22) they are in the process of selecting their next project. They have done detailed assessments in the past of desirabilty and feasibility as shown in their 2017 master plan in a 3 page excel spreadsheet, a must-read for anyone who wants to approach the township on any safety path and trails issue.
SPTC Township Webpage is the place start to understand this committee in more detail:
http://www.oaklandtownship.org/township_departments/safety_paths_and_trails.php
Information on Gallagher Road Path, SPTC Current Focus
SPTC DRAFT MINUTES 4-3-2019 – 486583111
Gallagher / Silverbell path progress – page 2.
Presentation to Board of Trustees (8/14/18, Chapter 8, 40 minutes) by Libby Dwyer – “Paint Creek Trail Connections”. Compares Gallagher Rd. to Gunn Rd. possible routes.
Issues (In my opinion)
Safety – HOA paths are not required to be inspected nor maintained. Some are in excellent condition. Some are in an unusable state (notably some boardwalks).
Funding – Some HOA’s have lobbied unsuccessfuly for township funds to assist in their safety path maintenance. The township board responded in two ways
Reduced the millage from 0.2435 in 2016 to
- 2017 – 0.1677 (reduced for 10 years by voter approval on 2016 ballot 7512 – YES, 2354 – NO)
- 2018 – 0.1000 (no law requires the Board to collect all taxes authorized by voters)
- 2019 – 0.1649
- 2020- 0.1638
- 2021 – 0.1621 (August 10, 2021 Board minutes)
Created a policy that provides for abandoning an HOA path in certain circumstances:
“….if it finds that the safety path or boardwalk meets all of the
following mandatory conditions:
➢ The proposed safety path provides little to no public benefit.
➢ The proposed safety path is rarely or never used by the public.
➢ The proposed safety path stands alone and otherwise does not connect to any other
system of safety paths or trails and is unlikely to be connected to any other system of
trails in the future.
The Board may also decide to approve amendments if the safety path or boardwalk is
determined to be a danger, hazard, or blight, which cannot be remedied.”
Read the entire policy below before attempting any action:
Click to access Safety%20Path%20and%20Trails%20Policy%20Nov%202020.pdf
Income and Expenses – 2007-2022
Unanswered questions I did not have time to research
What do HOA deed restrictions require in terms of maintenance? Any safety standards?
Oakland Township Sentinel 