FAQs
Learn about the Plainfield Township Trails Millage
originallly passed August 2nd 2016
What trails have been built by initial millage funds?
We current have over nine miles of trails connecting our schools, neighborhoods, parks, businesses and the White Pine Trail.
Trails Built with Millage Support
Jupiter Trail – 2.9 miles (Completed 2018–2019)
Rockford Trail* – 2 miles (Completed 2021)
Jericho Trail – 1.35 miles (Completed 2024)
South Rogue River Trail – 2 miles (Completed 2026)
White Pine Trail Connector Path at Township Hall
White Pine Trail Connector Path at Rogue River Meadows Drive
*Half-mile segment funded by Ravines developer** Two bridges funded by Kent County
What is the proposal?
The proposal is for the purposes of providing funds for the acquisition, construction, improvement, operation and maintenance of non-motorized public trails and public recreation areas within the Township in accordance with the Plainfield Charter Township Parks & Recreation Master Plan.
Full text of the 2026 renewal millage proposal is available here.
When is the vote?
Township residents were provided the opportunity to vote on the trails ballot question with the Primary Election on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
What is a mill?
Millage rates are expressed in tenths of a penny. For example, the trails millage request is 0.5 mill or ½ of 1 tenth of a penny. For example, for 0.5 mill the owner of a $200,000 property, with an taxable value of $100,000, would pay $50 per year for trails.
What is the proposed millage rate?
A mill is a tax rate on the assessed value of real estate. The proposed millage rate is 0.5 or ½ of 1 tenth of a penny per dollar. The proposed trails millage will cost the average Plainfield Township homeowner about $50 per year (based on a home value of $200,000). To calculate your rate, multiply the assessment of the property by mill rate (o.5) and divide by 1,000.
How much revenue will the approved millage generate?
The millage of 0.5 mills is estimated to generate $980,000 in the first year.
How long is the millage?
The millage is for ten years.
What about future maintenance and operation?
The millage language specifically states that funds will be used for improvement, operation, and maintenance of non-motorized public trails and recreation areas.
When will the trails be built?
ASAP! We fully expect that progress on the next twenty miles of trails funded by the 2026 millage renewal will progress at a much faster pace. The first few years of the initial millage were spent procuring contractors at the best value, engineering design for proper construction, waiting to build savings to fund each trail, and other important pre-construction homework. If the renewal millage passes, we are optimistic that additional trails will be started soon as the prep-work is done.
How much will it cost to build the trails?
The cost to construct a trail varies widely and is dependent on physical challenges such as topography, environmental issues, and the space available to build a trail. It may cost $150,000 to construct a mile of trail in an area with no challenges and more in areas with significant challenges.
Who decided the Trails Map?
The current trails map is only a proposed guide for planning routes and connections. The map based on Parks & Recreation goal to connect our schools, neighborhoods, parks, waterfront, the White Pine Trail. We also plan to connect to existing trails in our surrounding communities including Ada, Algoma, Cannon, Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Township, and Walker. We welcome and invite your questions, concerns, and suggestions to improve the existing plan.
How will the Township decide how funds are spent?
The method as to how millage funds will be administered will be determined by the township board. A citizen committee has been appointed to work with township staff to do all of the background work. The Trails Committee then recommends specific projects in public meetings for approval by the elected township board.