Many,
many things impact the economic viability of a community. We all know
that an educated and available workforce, sufficient energy and
technology, transportation
systems
and the like are a large part of the picture. We sometimes forget,
however, that an aesthetically pleasing environment, a welcoming
atmosphere, and a community that appears to take pride in itself are
also part of the mix.
Imagine yourself getting off the plane at MBS and coming into
Midland for the first time. What are your impressions? Is it a place to
which you are immediately attracted? Would your first impression entice
you to locate your new business here?
Once you are in the community, do you prefer to shop at a "big box"
surrounded by acres of blacktop, or do you prefer landscaping and shade
and an architecturally interesting venue?
In 1999/2000, the Midland Area Community Foundation, with funding
support from some other local foundations, led the Midland Visioning
Project. This countywide initiative was an effort to solicit from
Midland County citizens their feelings about the county's assets, needs,
and their vision for the county ten years hence. One of the most
common criticisms was that the entrances into the City of Midland were
not welcoming--that there was no sense of arrival or sense of place.
Based on this information, the Entranceways Initiative Task Force
(EITF) was developed in 2001. It is made up of citizens, city planners,
business leaders and foundation members who joined together with the
central mission of improving the appearance and function of the
entranceways into the City of Midland.
Completed Projects
The EITF has completed several projects in its relatively short
time of existence. If you would like to view a more in-depth
description of a particular project, a link is provided.
Bay City Road Interchange Plantings

It may be one of the shortest projects that the Entranceways
Initiative Task Force (EITF) has completed thus far. Started September
15, 2003, and completed only five days later.
Midland County Fair Entrances
In partnership with the
Midland County Fair Board, landscape improvements were made at both the
south and north fairground entrances on Eastman Avenue.
US-10/Eastman Road Overpass Medallions
Wednesday, August 25, 2004,
marked the official unveiling of two of the four medallions that were
installed on the US-10/Eastman Road Overpass.
"Money DOES Grow on Trees" Brochure VIEW PDF BROCHURE
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link to the right.
Park n' Ride
In conjunction with the US-10/Medallion installation, and the new
freeway exit ramp the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
developed, a new Park 'n Ride lot on Wackerly Road was also designed.
Eastman Avenue Overpass
After the installation of the medallions, the EITF installed
uplighting. Terraced landscape beds were also added to emphasize the
horizontal bands on the abutment. Final improvements were finished in
September 2005.
US-10BR Boulevard Concept
In August 2005, the EITF broke ground for a new parkway along
US-10BR. The "Grand Curve Parkway" is a 1.4-mile path that stretches
from Washington Street to State Street.
Extension of US-10 BR Boulevard Concept
Our partnership with MDOT is continuing as we work to enhance the
aesthetic improvements begun at the "Grand Curve." We have continued
eastward with our landscaping plan, extending the trail from Washington
Street easterly to Illinois Street and creating almost 2.5 linear miles
of new recreational pathways in the community. The trail was completed
in October 2006.
Connection of Grand Curve Parkway to Rail-Trail
Also completed in October 2006, was a trail that connected the
Rail-Trail head by the Tridge to the "Grand Curve" at State Street. The
trail heads from the Tridge and goes behind Riverside Place, around the
new Dow Diamond, before connecting at State Street.
M-20 From the West
The M-20 entrance frames one's entrance to Midland from the West with a beautiful terraced landscape to the left and a stunning view of the Tridge on the Right.
Wayfinding
Getting lost does not enhance one's experience in Midland. We have
many
wonderful attractions and shopping districts, but if visitors
can't find them easily, they won't return for an encore of frustration.
The EITF is developing a Wayfinding Plan which will include maps and
signage to assist visitors and residents alike to locate our many
retail, cultural and historic sites.
Would You Like to Make a Contribution?
If you would like to make a contribution to the Entranceways
Initiative Task Force, use the "Donate Now" button on this Web site, or
contact the Foundation at 989-839-9661.