Things are moving forward to transform a small piece of vacant land in Oxford Village into a little park/rest area along the Polly Ann Trail.

Last week, the trail’s management council authorized its manager, Linda Moran, to work with the involved parties; do the necessary research regarding property lines, zoning and ordinances; and start the development process.

“It’s just a nice little spot that’s undeveloped,” she said.

The 0.16-acre parcel is located on Powell St., just west of Division St. and east of Louck St. It was donated earlier this year by Lake Orion resident Mary Guinn.

Guinn purchased it in September 2014 from the Oakland County treasurer for $1,324 as part of a land sale for property tax foreclosures.

“I couldn’t really do too much with it myself. You can’t really build on it,” she said.

So, Guinn decided to donate it to the Polly Ann Trail.

“The property is right on the trail and I just thought it would be a good fit,” she said.

Guinn envisions trail users stopping there to “take a break” from their walking, bicycling, running and other outdoor pursuits.

“It’s a perfect spot for that,” she said.

Guinn is an avid user of the trail that runs through Addison, Orion and Oxford townships along with the villages of Leonard and Oxford.

“I like to walk it when the weather’s nice,” she said. “I love it and I think they’re doing a great job with all their improvements.”

Guinn’s husband, Joe Guinn, owner of Old School Contracting, is willing to use his heavy equipment to clear the land and make it level, free of charge, according to Moran.

“I say we take (advantage of) that opportunity now,” she said.

Moran has been in touch with Dave Navarro, vice president and general manager of Industrial Machine Products (IMP) located at 32 Louck St., and “he’s willing to donate some benches and some picnic tables of our design to the new park.” She told him it would be a great place for IMP employees to eat lunch and take breaks.

“I’m going to get a proposal together,” Moran said.

Moran noted this new park will not have a dedicated parking lot. “It’s strictly going to be a walk-to (area accessible via the trail),” she said.

Folks will be able to park their vehicles either along Powell St. or in the public lot located on Pleasant St., just west of the trail’s bridge over M-24.

Although Moran was authorized to move forward, the trail council did not approve any spending regarding the park at this point.

“I’m not going to buy a thing,” she said.