Lapeer Polly Ann Trail

Lapeer Polly Ann Trail *An Asset for Lapeer County*	General Squire Park - Lapeer County

The Polly Ann was the passenger train that once serviced our community. The Pontiac Oxford and Northern or P. 0. & N., once ran from Pontiac to Caseville, a distance of 99 miles. Of that former railroad right-of-way, 34 miles are in public ownership, thanks to acquisitions in 1997 and 1999 by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. A 14 mile segment in Oakland County is managed by the Polly Ann Trailway Management Council, and the 20 mile segment in Lapeer County is managed by the county. The right-of-way was purchased with the intention of converting this unused rail corridor to a linear park for non-rnotorized recreation. The Polly Ann Trail will be a flat linear park providing easy access to users of all ages and interests: Offers a convenient, safe off-road recreational corridor for multiple user groups Preserves wildlife habitat and native plant life Provides a safe transportation route for children and commuters Increases safety and security of entire area. All law enforcement agencies are empowered and have access to previously unpatrolled areas. Preserves a historic railway route and maintains the right-of-way for future transportation needs. Enhances real estate values along the trail Adds an important link with statewide “Discover Michigan” trail system and the Southeast Michigan Greenways Initiative The Polly Ann Trail has been open for public use in Dryden Township and Dryden Village since 2000. The trail has been welcomed by the community and has proven to be a great asset to the area. Local groups have held horseback rides, bicycle rides, nature walks, runs, and charity fundraisers. *THE FACTS:* The Polly Ann Trail in Lapeer County is a 20-mile former rail corridor from Bordman Road to Kings Mill, passing through Dryden, Imlay City, and Lum. The corridor was purchased by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in 1999 for $449,000. MDNR acquired the corridor for conversion to a trail for non-motorized recreation. As state-owned land, it is open for public use. This trail connects to the Polly Ann Trail in Oakland County (14 miles), which will eventually connect to the Paint Creek, Clinton River, and Macomb-Orchard Trails. The Friends of the Polly Ann Trail was formed in 1997 to assist in conversion of the rail corridor to public use. *THE BENEFITS:* Recreational: The trail provides a safe place to walk, run, ride bicycles, ski, snowshoe, ride horses, and observe nature, at a time when our society is facing a crisis of obesity due in large part to a lack of exercise. Economic: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy estimates that a trailway generates increased revenue for local businesses Historical: The trail follows the corridor of the former “ Pontiac, Oxford, and Northern Railroad” (Polly Ann). This linked the communities of Oxford, Leonard, Dryden, and Imlay City in Oakland and Lapeer Counties since the 1880’s. Environmental: The trail corridor helps to maintain habitat for wildlife and a corridor for wildlife movement, and assists in preserving the rural nature of the community. Educational: The trail provides opportunities for schools, individuals, and local organizations to study, photograph, and observe historical and natural features of the area. The Friends of the Polly Ann Trail of Lapeer County The Friends of the Polly Ann Trail of Lapeer County is a grass roots organization of citizens that supports the development and operation of the POLLY ANN TRAIL in Lapeer County. The group was formed in October of 1997 to promote the acquisition of the unused rail corridor once known as the Polly Ann Railroad. The acquisition of the right-of-way was approved and completed in 1999. Our mission is to support the development of the POLLY ANN TRAIL. through community informational campaigns, political action, volunteer labor, and fundraising projects. For more information about the Lapeer Polly Ann Trail contact: The Friends of the Polly Ann Trail, Lapeer County P.O. Box 123 Dryden, Mi. 4842 Map of the Lapeer Polly Ann Trail Lapeer County Parks Lapeer County Lapeer Historical Markers Lapeer County - Lapeer Public Library - General Squier Park - Dryden Depot - Ladies Library Hall Internet Railroad History Museum
	Polly Ann Trailway Management Council, Inc. 23 E. Elmwood - P.O. Box 112 - Leonard, Michigan 48367 (248) 969-8660 - pollyanntrail@gmail.com Copyright 2004 Polly Ann Trailway Management Council, Inc. All rights reserved. Website designed by Lois Golden.

The Polly Ann was the passenger train that once serviced our community. The Pontiac Oxford and Northern or P. 0. & N., once ran from Pontiac to Caseville, a distance of 99 miles. Of that former railroad right-of-way, 34 miles are in public ownership, thanks to acquisitions in 1997 and 1999 by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. A 14 mile segment in Oakland County is managed by the Polly Ann Trailway Management Council, and the 20 mile segment in Lapeer County is managed by the county. The right-of-way was purchased with the intention of converting this unused rail corridor to a linear park for non-rnotorized recreation. The Polly Ann Trail will be a flat linear park providing easy access to users of all ages and interests:

Offers a convenient, safe off-road recreational corridor for multiple user groups
Preserves wildlife habitat and native plant life
Provides a safe transportation route for children and commuters
Increases safety and security of entire area. All law enforcement agencies are empowered and have access to previously unpatrolled areas.
Preserves a historic railway route and maintains the right-of-way for future transportation needs.
Enhances real estate values along the trail
Adds an important link with statewide “Discover Michigan” trail system and the Southeast Michigan Greenways Initiative

The Polly Ann Trail has been open for public use in Dryden Township and Dryden Village since 2000. The trail has been welcomed by the community and has proven to be a great asset to the area. Local groups have held horseback rides, bicycle rides, nature walks, runs, and charity fundraisers.

THE BENEFITS:

Recreational: The trail provides a safe place to walk, run, ride bicycles, ski, snowshoe, ride horses, and observe nature, at a time when our society is facing a crisis of obesity due in large part to a lack of exercise.
Economic: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy estimates that a trailway generates increased revenue for local businesses
Historical: The trail follows the corridor of the former “ Pontiac, Oxford, and Northern Railroad” (Polly Ann). This linked the communities of Oxford, Leonard, Dryden, and Imlay City in Oakland and Lapeer Counties since the 1880’s.
Environmental: The trail corridor helps to maintain habitat for wildlife and a corridor for wildlife movement, and assists in preserving the rural nature of the community.
Educational: The trail provides opportunities for schools, individuals, and local organizations to study, photograph, and observe historical and natural features of the area.

The Friends of the Polly Ann Trail of Lapeer County

The Friends of the Polly Ann Trail of Lapeer County is a grass roots organization of citizens that supports the development and operation of the POLLY ANN TRAIL in Lapeer County. The group was formed in October of 1997 to promote the acquisition of the unused rail corridor once known as the Polly Ann Railroad.

The acquisition of the right-of-way was approved and completed in 1999. Our mission is to support the development of the POLLY ANN TRAIL. through community informational campaigns, political action, volunteer labor, and fundraising projects.

For more information about the Lapeer Polly Ann Trail contact:

The Friends of the Polly Ann Trail, Lapeer County
P.O. Box 123
Dryden, Mi. 4842

Map of the Lapeer Polly Ann Trail
Lapeer County Parks
Lapeer County

Lapeer Historical Markers
Lapeer County - Lapeer Public Library - General Squier Park - Dryden Depot - Ladies Library Hall

Internet Railroad History Museum