The Beach to Bridge Trail Vision
We are developing a big idea that connects the Beach at Saugatuck Dunes State Park to New Richmond Bridge on the Kalamazoo River. This eleven-mile trail will start at the state park, go through River Bluff Park and Wade Nature Preserve, then end at the historic New Richmond Bridge. At that point, it connects to another trail network in the Allegan State Game Area.
The Beach to Bridge South Bank Connections
We have been working on some more connections to be able to create a South beach to bridge trail and there are a lot more opportunities for large tracks of undeveloped land to become future parks and conservations. Saugatuck Township has been integrating these ideas into their master plan and strategic parks and conservation development since they received their millage in 2022. UPDATE: 2025 Saugatuck township received 2.4 million dollars to acquire the 120 acres of land marked in yellow on the map above to become riverside park.
The Development of the Beach to Bridge Trail
.jpeg)
Saugatuck Township and the City of Saugatuck own several properties halfway through the route. UPDATE: In 2022 number 5 expanded its park area eight times. Number 6 became Saugatuck Wilds Nature Preserve in June of 2025.
Glenna DeJong, Chris Clark, Jon Vanderbeek and Betsy York
Working with Saugatuck Township, we have developed a new trail next to the dog park on 134th Ave. The plan is to also create a racecourse there for Saugatuck High School’s cross-country team.
Farther along the route, Jane and Larry Dickie are setting aside a trail easement (not shown) through their property, which will eventually become part of the trail.