Cass River Trailhead - Bridgeport

Spicer Group assisted Bridgeport Charter Township and DDA with transitioning a historic gas station building and adjoining property into the new Cass River Trailhead. The property sits next to the 112-year-old State Street Bridge which was fully restored to its original condition and serves as a pedestrian path across the Cass River giving access to several miles of multi-use path. Spicer Group assisted the Township in developing a conceptual plan and cost estimates for the preservation of the old gas station building including renovating the interior of the building for the restrooms the trailhead needed.

Spicer Group then assisted in preparing and submitting a grant application to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund money which was awarded for $275,800. The building was fully restored and now has ADA accessible restrooms. The building serves as a unique trailhead because it hosts several photographs and memorabilia that reflects on the history of Bridgeport. A new wildlife viewing and fishing platform, pavilion with tables and grills, bike racks, interpretive signs, landscaping, and decorative fencing were constructed. New pathways were also constructed to connect the trailhead to the existing regional path system.

An additional project Spicer assisted the Township with included the design and construction of a trailhead parking lot, adjacent to the Cass River Trailhead. This design included walkways, drainage improvements, a rain garden, and decorative lighting.