Connecting Our Community: The Auburn Hills Riverwalk Pathway

The City of Auburn Hills is breaking ground this June on the next chapter of our Riverwalk Master Plan. The Auburn Hills Riverwalk Pathway is a three-phase project that will add approximately 2,900 linear feet — about a half mile — of shared-use pathway along the Clinton River, linking existing trails, parks, and neighborhoods into a continuous, walkable network.

What’s Being Built

The pathway will weave through River Woods Park and tie into surrounding destinations including the Auburn Hills Skate Park, Forester Square, and the new Residences at River Trail development. When complete, the loop will give residents and visitors a continuous riverside experience while improving connectivity all the way out to Old Adams Road.

Construction will be completed in three phases:

Phase 1 (2026) — Connects the Auburn Hills Skate Park to River Woods Park with roughly 1,050 linear feet of asphalt pathway, including a 45” x 29” elliptical culvert that serves as a pedestrian crossing.

Phase 2 (2026) — Adds approximately 800 linear feet of asphalt pathway along the east side of River Woods Park, ultimately connecting Forester Square and the Residences at River Trail.

Phase 3 (2027) — Closes the loop with about 1,050 linear feet of asphalt and boardwalk pathway. Phase 3 features include:

• An 80-foot steel prefabricated pedestrian bridge with concrete deck, spanning the Clinton River
• 205 linear feet of precast concrete boardwalk with aluminum railing

Built for People — and for Maintenance

Beyond providing a great new place to walk, run, and bike, the pathway will also give our Department of Public Works improved access to maintain the sanitary sewer infrastructure that already runs along the river. It’s a smart, dual-purpose investment that puts a single set of dollars to work for both residents and operations.

What to Expect During Construction

Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026, with substantial completion targeted for 2027.

During construction, sections of the park pathways will be intermittently closed to keep the public safe. We’ll share updates as work progresses so residents know what’s open, what’s closed, and what’s coming next.

A Vision Years in the Making

The Auburn Hills Riverwalk Pathway is another major step toward realizing our Riverwalk Master Plan — a long-term vision to make the Clinton River corridor more accessible, more connected, and more enjoyable for everyone who lives, works, and plays in Auburn Hills.

View the Riverwalk Plan here.

Timothy Wisser, Manager of Municipal Properties