Trail Maintenance: Redecking in Dexter-Huron Metropark

Work is underway to repair boardwalks along a stretch of the Border to Border Trail (B2B Trail) in Dexter-Huron Metropark. During the work, the trail is completely closed to all public access through mid-June. The project limits run from Central St in Dexter to approximately the main entrance of Dexter-Huron Metropark — about 1.4 miles in total. The work entails replacing decking and related items on six boardwalks due to wood rot and decay. This work also serves as a pilot project to test more durable materials that could guide future boardwalk designs and repairs.

Typically, boardwalks in southeast Michigan are built from Southern Yellow Pine but we have experienced higher than anticipated wear, rot, and decay using this material. Much of the boardwalk will now be resurfaced using treated Douglas Fir, which is typical of boardwalk construction in the Pacific Northwest. This wood species has better rot resistance than pine and is slightly stronger. The other material we’re testing on the two smallest boardwalks is a fiberglass composite that is designed as a boardwalk decking retrofit product. The fiberglass material should provide a significantly longer service life when compared to wood but at a higher up-front cost. Additionally, it should be more slip resistant due to its textured, non-porous surface. This means algae should have a much harder time establishing. We intend to monitor the new materials over the coming years for durability and aesthetics, and we invite your feedback. 

This project is coordinated by the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission (WCPARC) and Huron Clinton Metropark Authority (HCMA). HCMA and WCPARC will have signs in the restricted area throughout the project and post updates as construction progresses. Project status will also be posted on B2B Trail social channels.

We appreciate your patience as we work to complete this project. This short-term closure and repair will ensure the public has a safe and scenic trail into the foreseeable future.