Blue Water Trail Towns Master Plan

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Port Sanilac

Blue Water Trail Towns Master Plan

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Print Materials

The Sanilac County Brochure is an excellent publication with information about kayaking and other recreational opportunities within the region. Additional pictures of downtowns (e.g., Port Sanilac) would be great additions to this publication. The Port Sanilac Calendar rack card does an excellent job of describing the community’s annual events. Perhaps the image superimposed on the backside of the card could be that of a kayaker. The Port Sanilac Marina Brochure does an excellent job of describing the marina (including the goods, equipment and apparel you can buy at the marina) and also the things to see and do in Port Sanilac. Given the marina’s proximity to the kayak launch, it will be a natural attraction for paddlers. Public officials should work with marina owners to get information about the water trail in the marina brochure.

Sanilac County Visitors Brochure

Port Sanilac Calendar Rack Card

Port Sanilac Port Sanilac Marina Brochure

Blue Water Trail Towns Master Plan

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Video and Web Materials

Port Sanilac has a tremendous website that features all the different and interesting things to do and see in the community. The website even has a page devoted to kayaking and paddleboarding. The website also has an engaging video that provides a great description of the community.

Port Sanilac Video Materials

Port Sanilac Web Site

Blue Water Trail Towns Master Plan

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Design Renderings Trailhead. As part of Port Sanilac Harbor, the trailhead already has a number of amenities (restrooms, showers, kayak rental, etc.) geared for boaters and paddlers. It will be important to continue to add amenities (e.g., accessibility) to this area. For road bikers, the Welcome Center north of downtown is an ideal location for riders to park their bike and venture into downtown Port Sanilac.

Before Treatment After Treatment

Before Treatment After Treatment

Blue Water Trail Towns Master Plan

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Portal at Marina and Near Welcome Center

Before Treatment After Treatment

Before Treatment After Treatment

Blue Water Trail Towns Master Plan

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Pathway. From the trailhead at the marina, paddlers walk up the hill on Main Street to reach downtown. Because the marina sells goods and equipment (among other things) it will draw in paddlers. Local officials should work with marina owners to make the pathway from the park into the marina more pleasant and inviting.

Pathway. From the Welcome Center, road bikers use existing sidewalk infrastructure along Highway 25 to get into the downtown. Banners along the pathway can help to build the Trail Town character in Port Sanilac.

After Treatment Before Treatment

After Treatment Before Treatment

Blue Water Trail Towns Master Plan

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Gateway and Urban Form/Density. Port Sanilac is unique in that its central business district is separated, and runs parallel to the waterfront. This development pattern creates a void between the downtown and the waterfront. Future redevelopment should be directed along Main Street, creating a better connection between the central business district and the waterfront.

Before Treatment After Treatment

Before Treatment After Treatment

Blue Water Trail Towns Master Plan

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Wayfinding

Before Treatment After Treatment

Before Treatment After Treatment

Blue Water Trail Towns Master Plan

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Transportation - Roundabout

Before Treatment After Treatment

Blue Water Trail Towns Master Plan

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Connecting Elements Map

Trailhead Pathway Portal Gateway Downtown