MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Fifteen acres of Wonch Park is nestled along the Red Cedar River off of Okemos Road. The oldest park in Meridian Township has seen its fair share of people over the years as many are drawn to the water. So much so, a man made pathway from foot traffic has been worn in at Wonch Park.

The Meridian Township Parks & Recreation Department wants to make this man-made pathway official by putting in a complete paved trail that would have sat about 25 feet from the water. As this made its way in front of the Zoning Board of Appeals, concerns from a local resident provided downfalls of trails.

Local resident George Cass said, "I'm concerned with the noise. What's the next step after that? Are they going to put a boat ramp in? I questioned this a couple years ago when it was first proposed."

The proposed pathway was voted down in a close 3-2 vote on the grounds of several natural concerns one of which was its proximity to the Red Cedar River. The main river in Meridian Township experiences flooding several times throughout the year and at times nearly completely submerging neighboring Ferguson Park.

Those who want to enjoy the trail will have to go without pavement at least for now.