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

Downloading the brochure requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. The Adobe Reader can be downloaded free. To download the Adobe Acrobat Reader now click on the 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.