Downtown Highland Celebrates New Boardwalk
(Crystal A. Proxmire, July 11, 2025)
Highland Township, MI – The Charter Township of Highland has recently completed a new boardwalk project in the area of Colasanti’s Market on Milford Road, aimed at enhancing the walkability and economic development of the area.
The project is funded by the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) with support from Highland Township, contributing $250,000. Initially planned to be a wooden boardwalk, the project shifted to a concrete product due to material costs and durability concerns. The new boardwalk will feature a durable material that can withstand Michigan’s harsh weather conditions.
The previous boardwalk was dilapidated and under water. The new one is 8 feet wide, with handrails for safety, and includes signage. The boardwalk helps connect people who get around in a variety of ways. “We encourage, bikes, strollers and more to use the boardwalk,” said Cassie Blascyk of the Highland Township Offices.
Fixing the boardwalk has been part of Highland Township’s Master Plan, which states “Activities that are healthy for the environment and people are an important part of the town’s culture. This connection with the environment should be communicated by the landscape of the town, beginning at the entry.”
The Plan also described the need to focus on the area, stating “Colasanti’s pond, a wetland, and a small farm form a green band across Milford Road just south of Highland Station. This separates Highland from nearby development. Maintaining this visual open space and enhancing elements like signs and pedestrian paths could add to the sense of entering a town with a unique connection to its environment. Adding interesting elements also helps slow traffic. At the bottom of the hill, between the pond and wetland, a suggested bridge element would give drivers a sense that they are crossing into town. This plus the physical cue of the rise up the hill into town, would begin to slow traffic. Building on that with narrower lanes and pedestrian paths will create a slower driving environment.”
Blascyk said the DDA is excited to launch this project, “Connecting the Historic Highland Station area with the businesses on the south side enhances efforts to create a walkable community and support economic development, contributing to the overall success of local businesses.”
Learn more about Downtown Highland at https://www.highlanddda.com/
