Scio Township Wants to Connect Van Curler to Dexter-Huron Metropark

The Scio Township Board approved devoting a chunk of money toward developing a plan to connect one of its unique nature preserves with a Metropark.

At its July 21 meeting, the township approved up to $11,000 for the design, engineering and preparation/solicitation of quotes for the Van Curler/Dexter-Huron walking path. The Sun Times News connected with Murphy Harrington, Scio’s Director of Parks, Preserves, and Pathways, to ask about this proposal.

Harrington’s report to the township board stated:

“A walking path connection between Scio Township managed Van Curler Preserve and Metropark managed Dexter-Huron Metropark directly supports public safety and accessibility, ensuring pedestrians and cyclists utilizing the Border-to-Border trail and the facilities and the Metropark can safely travel between the two recreational areas. The connection will also address parking limitations at Van Curler Preserve by providing access to the larger parking facilities available at Dexter-Huron Metropark. Engineering costs for this project were adopted in the 2026-2027 budget.”

Van Curler is located on West Joy Road, east of Arlington Trail Road. According to the township, it is a 90-acre property providing access to extensive forest stands, wetlands, prairie areas, bluffs overlooking the river, a significant Norway spruce grove and a small stream. Scio acquired the land in 2014, and a 2-mile rustic trail system was developed there in 2023. It has parking and marked trails.

Harrington said the Van Curler Preserve/Dexter-Huron Metropark connection project has been in development for several years.

“The project will provide significant benefits to visitors of both properties by creating a safer crossing of Huron River Drive and expanding access to the trail networks on both sides of the road,” Harrington said.

“Because of the high ecological value of Van Curler Preserve, the Township is committed to protecting its sensitive natural resources and is not able to expand the existing parking area, which is limited to five spaces,” Harrington said. “By connecting the preserve to Dexter-Huron Metropark, visitors will have convenient access to the preserve while utilizing the Metropark’s larger parking facilities. This approach improves access, enhances the visitor experience, encourages exploration of both properties, and helps preserve the ecological integrity of Van Curler Preserve.”

Harrington added, “The Township is grateful for its partnership with the Metroparks, as the connection also provides visitors with amenities that are not available at Van Curler Preserve, including restrooms and potable water.”