Genesee County, Michigan – A two-mile stretch of pavement is doing more than giving walkers and cyclists a new place to move in southern Genesee County. The newly opened ChoiceOne Bank Trail now physically links Linden, Fenton Township and Fenton, turning a connection residents had discussed for more than a decade into something they can finally use.
The trail also carries the memory of one of the people who pushed for it. During the opening celebration in Fenton, organizers recognized the late Victor Lukasavitz, whose work to expand local trails and recreational opportunities helped move the project forward. His vision will now be reflected in every walk, run and bike ride along the new route.
The ChoiceOne Bank Trail includes roughly two miles of 10-foot-wide asphalt pathway. Wooden sections were also constructed across low-lying areas, allowing the trail to continue through terrain where a traditional paved path would have been more difficult.
The route begins at Triangle Park in the City of Linden and heads east along the south side of Silver Lake Road through Fenton Township. It continues to Jennings Road, where users can connect with the City of Fenton’s existing sidewalk network.
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That connection has been a long-standing local priority rather than a newly developed idea. For more than 10 years, residents repeatedly identified the corridor as important during public hearings, community forums and regional planning discussions. The route remained listed as a priority in the Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission’s Non-Motorized Plan, reflecting continued interest in safer ways to move between communities without relying entirely on vehicles.
The trail’s opening represents years of planning, community input and cooperation among local governments, planning partners, supporters and residents. ChoiceOne Bank was among the organizations recognized for helping make the project possible.
Beyond the immediate connection between Linden and Fenton, the opening also fits into a much larger vision for Genesee County.
Ridgway White, president and CEO of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, spoke during Tuesday’s celebration about the effort to eventually connect communities throughout the county with trails and other nonmotorized infrastructure. White said his goal is for all Genesee County communities to be connected by trails within five years.
The foundation is backing that goal with substantial funding. As the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026, it has committed up to $25 million over the next five years to help expand and connect nonmotorized trails and sidewalks across Genesee County.
For residents in southern Genesee County, however, part of that larger network is already in place. The new ChoiceOne Bank Trail adds another option for exercise, recreation and everyday travel while creating a direct link between neighboring communities.
What began years ago as a planning priority is now a usable piece of infrastructure — and another step toward a county where trails connect far more than parks.