We are very fortunate to receive incredible support and leadership from HWPI volunteer Christine Stead. Christine serves on HWPI’s Executive Committee and assists in a wide variety of capacities, including providing leadership to the board and helping with community events. She is an avid runner who is regularly seen in local races wearing her Karen’s Trail t-shirt to raise awareness of the trail project and to honor the legacy of Karen McKeachie. As someone who has trained along Huron River Drive for more than 30 years, Christine is passionate about developing safe recreational spaces. Christine credits Melissa Sundermann–long time triathlete, ultra-marathoner, marathoner, and dear friend–for making her connection to HWPI.
Native to Michigan, Christine grew up in the village of Emmett and now lives in Ann Arbor with her husband of 20 years, Jim. She has two boys, Aidan who attends Michigan Technological University, and Conleth, who is a junior at Skyline High School. In addition to volunteering with HWPI, Christine is an adjunct faculty member at the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan where she teaches a graduate level class on healthcare systems and organization. Additionally, she owns a healthcare consulting firm, Headlamp Advisors, and focuses on planning exciting futures for health systems across the United States. Christine previously served on the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education for almost 9 years.
Christine’s commitment to volunteering with HWPI stems from her dedication to investing in opportunities that provide safe recreational and work-commute routes for everyone to enjoy. She believes that it takes partnerships across public, private and nonprofit entities to create vibrant, healthy communities. Christine is also motivated and inspired by working with people dedicated to improving the world around them, especially the HWPI Board and volunteers.
Thank you, Christine, for the many contributions you have made to HWPI! Your support brings us closer to realizing a vision of safe, accessible trail networks that connect the communities of Southeast Michigan and beyond.
HWPI 501(c)(3) Announcement
BY HWPI Staff
HWPI is pleased to announce that we are officially approved as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations may now be made directly payable to Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative and mailed to:
Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative 14800 E Old US HWY 12 Chelsea MI, 48118
As always, donations may also be made online through the HWPI website’s Donate page.
While we will continue to be affiliated with the Michigan Fitness Foundation, as they are a great partner, we will now begin operating as an independent nonprofit organization. We are grateful for MFF’s belief in our mission and support to HWPI.
We are excited about the opportunities this will present as we continue to help build the Border-to-Border Trail! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Executive Director, Susan Faulkner at susanfaulkner@huron-waterloo-pathways.org.
HWPI Volunteer Spotlight: Peter and Patti Feeney
BY HWPI StaffFebruary 20, 2019
Peter and Patti Feeney
HWPI is very pleased to introduce two amazing volunteers, Peter and Patti Feeney. This couple has made immeasurable contributions to HWPI and the B2B over the last few years. Their interest in building local trails began while biking in Colorado. They were impressed by the fabulous trails and paths around the country and wanted to bring them to Washtenaw County. While out on a western trail, Patti suggested, ‘Somebody should build trails like this in Michigan.’ That somebody soon included both Peter and Patti when they joined the effort led by Jeff Hardcastle, Tim Eder and a team of others who began exploring how to bring trails to Chelsea.
While they are quick to downplay their efforts, both have made a huge impact. Peter has played a critical role in fundraising, serves on HWPI’s Board of Directors and has been instrumental in engaging other leaders in our work. Patti recently became immersed the development of an Interpretative Master Plan (IMP) for the B2B. She has lent her creative perspective to develop interpretive opportunities and design features across the B2B. All of these activities, combined with sponsorship of the trail, has advanced the trail project.
According to Peter:
“This is already a fantastic area to live and raise a family. The B2B will raise the areas visibility and really help attract young families to a community with great schools, arts and recreation. Two of the largest state recreation areas are right on our doorstep. They have been our playground for years and we can now access them by the B2B. What a great place to live!”
Community support is in the Feeneys’ DNA. In addition to volunteering with HWPI, they provide leadership to several community organizations and manage a local insurance provider, Chelsea Rhone. Thank you, Peter and Patti, for bringing your time and talent to HWPI. You are truly helping bring active, healthy lifestyles to our community!
Construction on Another B2B Trail Segment Has Begun
BY HWPI StaffFebruary 13, 2019
On February 9, 2019, WCPARC, HWPI, Huron Clinton Metroparks and the WCRC hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction on a 1.2 mile segment of the B2B beginning at the Dexter-Huron Metropark, heading east to Zeeb Road. This trail segment will include two bridges spanning the Huron River, and is anticipated to open this fall. Thanks to everyone who came out to show their support. Together we will build the B2B!
Groundbreaking Announcement
BY HWPI StaffJanuary 30, 2019
Upcoming B2B Trail Groundbreaking Ceremony Save the Date!
The Huron-Clinton Metroparks, the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission (WCPARC) and HWPI are hosting another B2B Trail groundbreaking ceremony!
When: Saturday, February 9, 2019 at 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM Where: Dexter-Huron Metropark
This event is open to the public and is family friendly! We will keep warm with bonfires, s’mores, warm refreshments and an interpretive trail walk. We hope that you will join us to celebrate the expansion of the B2B.
