The City of Novi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department was presented with a Park Design Award at the MParks (Michigan Recreation and Park Association) Conference and Trade Show, held February 16 through 19 in Acme, Michigan.

In October 2015, members of the Motor City Mountain Bike Association (MCMBA) constructed a kid’s single-track mountain bike trail adjacent to the established and popular ten-mile long trail at Lakeshore Park. The track has been named the Sapling Loop. The Sapling Loop is the only track of its kind in Michigan and is primarily intended for children ages two and up promoting use of strider bikes or pedal bikes to increase balance and gain confidence. However, the track is not limited to kids; beginner mountain bikers may also find it beneficial.

To build the track, MCMBA volunteers provided the labor and materials for construction, including removal of sod in a 24-inch wide trail corridor and installing weed blocking fabric, a bed of limestone surface, and pressure treated wooden features. The track was officially opened at the Take a Kid Mountain Biking event on Saturday, October 3, 2015.

The MCMBA has a long standing history of cooperation with the City of Novi to develop mutually beneficial programs, projects, and mountain biking activities. Approximately 500 members have contributed to maintenance and improvements to the Lakeshore Park trail system. More than 750 hours are dedicated annually, removing trees, building bridges and providing safety suggestions and signage.

"The MCMBA appreciates its partnership with Novi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, and thanks the staff for their help in turning this concept into reality and for ongoing support and events to nurture the next generation of mountain bikers,” said Trail Coordinator Loren Konkus.

For more information, please visit the City of Novi.