A long-awaited recreational trail has moved a step closer to reality with Great Wolf Lodge’s decision to provide an easement for phase II of the Buffalo Ridge Trail.

Last week, Great Wolf Lodge officials notified Garfield Township that the easement would be granted. It is hoped that construction can begin this year or early in 2016, according to Garfield Township Deputy Planner Brian VanDenBrand.

The township secured a $270,000 grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund to build phase II of the Buffalo Ridge Trail. Phase I runs from the Grand Traverse Commons and heads south to West Middle School. Phase II is designed to connect the school south to the YMCA, as well as Kids Creek Park and all of the neighborhoods in that area. Future phases are planned that will continue down Silver Lake Road, perhaps eventually reaching the Silver Lake Recreation Area.