A popular pathway in Chatham’s south end, used for everyday recreation and many special events, is being recommended for a $1.3-million revitalization on Monday night.
A popular pathway in Chatham’s south end, used for everyday recreation and many special events, is being recommended Monday night for a $1.3-million revitalization.
Municipal staff will ask Chatham-Kent council to approve the submitted tender from Armstrong Paving and Materials Inc. to upgrade the Mud Creek trail.
The path is a four-kilometre walking and cycling route that passes through several parks and green spaces, and features many amenities for residents and visitors.
“Mud Creek pathway is a hub for the community. People enjoy the space to walk, run and cycle; however, the current width and the deteriorated condition of the pathway in some areas causes issues with our community requiring a more accessible pathway,” a staff report stated.
The recommended upgrade would widen the pathway to three meters, add lane markings to help ease traffic and have more accessible road crossings, as well as increased signage for crossing awareness and safety.
The path starts at Indian Creek Road West, runs along the Mud Creek drain toward Sylvester Drive, follows the drain down to Tweedsmuir Avenue West and continues along the drain to the hydro corridor that runs south of Bristol Drive.
Noting the asphalt pathway varies in its condition, the report stated there are many areas that are deteriorating quickly or consistently flooding, while other spots are still in “relatively decent shape.”
According to an eco-counter along the path, there have been 100,927 users, averaging 278 a day, with a peak day of 779, over the past 12 months.
However, the existing counter doesn’t capture all users and doesn’t differentiate between cyclists and pedestrians. If the project is approved, a new permanent counter would be installed during construction, which would count cyclists and pedestrians.
Project funding would come from previously approved municipal lifecycle reserves, capital funding and grants.
The path, the report noted, also provides a safe route to John McGregor secondary school, the YMCA Our Little Place Child Care Centre, Indian Creek Road public school, Chatham Christian school and the soon-to-be-built Catholic elementary school at the end of Tweedsmuir Avenue West.
Local service groups often use Mud Creek path as a place to host various events and fundraisers, such as runs and walks.
“The older pathway has done so much to benefit our community over the years,” the report added. “Widening the pathway will make it more accessible to all facility users and provide more opportunities to better serve our community.”