The Polly Ann Trail has a new manager and her name is Lois Golden.
The 53-year-old Rochester Hills resident began her new job on July 16.
Golden’s contract with the Polly Ann Trail Management Council calls for her to be paid $26,000 per year and work an average of 30 hours per week (including weekends), a minimum of 1,500 hours per year.
She began working with trails in 1998 as a Rochester Hills city council member. Golden said she worked with other elected officials and ‘passionate volunteers? to acquire Canadian National’s right-of-way, which later became the Clinton River Trail.
‘I’ve developed quite a number of key contacts at the local, county and state levels since 1998,? she said. ‘I’m looking forward to working with many old friends.?
Golden also served as a member of the Paint Creek Trailways Commission for nearly six years and most recently served as the commission’s events coordinator. She’s also maintained the commission’s website since 1999.
‘As a Paint Creek Trail Commissioner, I worked with many subcommittees,? she said. ‘Of particular interest to the Polly Ann was a subcommittee working with a developer and Lake Orion officials on a small extension of the Paint Creek Trail into the Village of (Lake) Orion. It was a small, but important step toward a future connection (with the Polly Ann Trail).?
Golden is no stranger to grant writing and fund-raising as both a volunteer and board member.
‘Most recently I assisted with a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant for picnic areas along the Paint Creek,? she said. Golden has also done fund-raising and public relations for the Rochester Heritage Festival and assisted with research and development grants for a private engineering firm.
When asked what her goals are as the Polly Ann Trail’s new manager, Golden replied, ‘Certainly completing the development is everyone’s priority. Seeking more non-taxpayer dollars for the trail is a priority I share with the council.?
‘In the immediate future I plan to enhance the (Polly Ann Trail’s) website,? she said. ‘Users really appreciate great maps, photos and event information.?
‘For now, I plan to do a lot of listening and getting feedback before making recommendations before making recommendations,? Golden said. ‘Volunteer and participant input on events is an important factor.?
When asked what her personal vision for the Polly Ann Trail is, Golden said, ‘As a long distance cyclist I hope for connections to other trails. With key connections we would have one of the longest trail systems in the state, serving the most concentrated population. Certainly, more visitors spending dollars in these charming villages and downtowns is a goal.?
Golden believes trails are important because they’re ‘unique parks.?
‘Not only do they physically connect communities, (they) inspire a lot of cooperation, ideas and goodwill. In a car, road rage is common. When you pass a stranger on a trail, everyone smiles and says ‘hello.? That is the unwritten etiquette of trails. It takes everyone back to those days when neighbors sat on front porches instead of in front of TVs and computers.?
‘Health, exercise, sports, history, nature ? trails have it all. You flashback to your childhood ? ride a bike, get your clothes dirty and hunt for frogs and turtles,? Golden added.
Golden said her favorite trails, aside from the Paint Creek and Polly Ann, are the Kal-Haven and Hart Montague.
When she’s not cycling on her favorite trails, Golden enjoys figure skating in the winter, exercising weekly, photography, gardening, art, design and computers.
She’s also the proud mother of 15-year-old Erica Ramanauskas, a Stoney Creek High School student.