Working to improve communication about county government not only make for a happy citizenry, it can also lead to much needed assistance for county projects. The county has devoted a great deal of resources toward developing a 24-mile linear park. The "Macomb Orchard Trail" is already proving itself to be tremendous asset for the county. It is definitely an attractive place to live, businesses want to be near it and it is becoming a great way to attract visitors to the county.

Overall, the estimated cost of the project is in excess of $12,000,000. Both the Departments of Planning & Economic Development and Parks & Recreation have been very successful in securing grant funding for the project over the past several years.

While more than $9.5 million has been raised through a number of grants and a great big federal allocation, more money is needed in order to finish the project as it was envisioned.

Working together, the departments decided to develop a program that would let the general public know that they too could get involved in building the trail. A sponsorship program was developed that helped patrons see how their gifts - ranging in size from $25 to $25,000 could help to build specific amenities.

A press kit was developed and distributed to the media which helped to prompt a number of positive stories. As it happened, a newspaper story about the trail provided an answer to a local woman who had been trying to think of a way to honor her deceased parents. Excited about the opportunity to create a lasting memorial, Jennifer Ross donated $50,000 to create a pocket park along the trail. The Ross Memorial Park has become a beautiful place for trail users to rest and enjoy the surroundings. The gift helped to generate other publicity and now more residents and businesses are getting involved in the sponsorship program.