Here’s some incredible news for Genesee County, announced by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation on June 18, 2026. These investments in trail infrastructure and access are paving the way for Genesee County to become a destination county for outdoor recreation.

We are so proud of the work of our Planning team and the partner communities that have helped make this possible. And, above all, we could not be more grateful for the generosity of The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, which is for the benefit of all residents of Genesee County.

As the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation marks its 100th anniversary, it has committed up to $25 million over the next five years to expand and connect nonmotorized trails and sidewalks throughout Flint and Genesee County.

Of the $25 million, $1.2 million was granted this month to support the first phase of the Grand Traverse Greenway Trail, which will connect the new state park in Flint to neighborhoods to the south. The Mott Foundation also previously granted approximately $2.75 million toward this initiative to connect several trail projects already underway.

The commitment supports a new strategic trails plan that the Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission developed in partnership with local municipalities and with community input. The Healthy, Happy, and Resilient Communities by 2030 plan, adopted in March, identifies 70 miles of missing links within the county’s trail network. At the current pace of approximately 1.5 miles added per year, closing these gaps would have taken nearly 50 years.

The Mott Foundation’s commitment, combined with other local, state and federal funding, will allow the county to accelerate that timeline and complete the work in five years, building on more than 19 miles of trails and sidewalks added over the past decade. The commitment also will support improvements to sidewalk infrastructure in Flint, helping link neighborhoods to the broader trail network.

“Safe, connected trails and sidewalks are essential infrastructure for healthy, thriving communities,” said Ridgway White, president and CEO of the Mott Foundation. “We’re proud to make this significant commitment to help Flint and Genesee County residents of all ages enjoy physical activity, while also accessing schools, parks, jobs and neighborhoods.”

The creation of what will be called The Legacy Trails represents a total investment of more than $80 million that will connect more than 180,000 residents to core community services.

Beyond 2030, the strategic plan envisions a network centered on Flint, ultimately connecting 235 miles of future corridors to create a 364-mile regional trail system. The plan prioritizes projects that enhance connectivity to schools, parks and community destinations while ensuring equitable access for all residents. The goal is to have every household within one mile of a nonmotorized trail.

Learn more about The Legacy Trails, including what currently exists and what is planned, through the interactive map linked below.

“By connecting our communities through a modern trail network, we’re creating opportunities for recreation, tourism and community growth that will have a positive impact on the residents of Genesee County for years to come,” said Dale K. Weighill, chairman of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners. “This incredible partnership with the Mott Foundation will further our reputation as a destination for outdoor recreation, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come.”

The Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission will lead work under the strategic plan, coordinating with county officials and local municipalities. The five-year work program anticipates $12.9 million in funding during the first year and $73.6 million in subsequent years.

Mott’s $25 million trails commitment is part of the Foundation’s broader effort to strengthen and revitalize outdoor spaces for Flint area residents. In February, the Foundation announced a commitment of up to $20 million to improve and renovate playgrounds and parks in the city of Flint.

To learn more about Genesee County’s Healthy, Happy, and Resilient Communities by 2030 plan, visit geneseetrails.com/trail-plan. To stay up to date on the Foundation’s centennial initiatives, visit mott.org/100.

Photo Credit: Jenifer Veloso