If you've ever walked or biked the Lakelands Trail through Pinckney and wondered about the historic depot near downtown, you're not alone. Thanks to a passion project created by a hometown resident, that vacant building, which was once a shed for the railyard, could one day become a vibrant gathering place for the entire community.
On Saturday, September 26, community members are invited to attend Rails and Trails Community Day in Downtown Pinckney, a family-friendly event designed to celebrate local history while building support for a vision that could help shape the future of downtown. During the event, visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the proposed depot revitalization project, meet the designer behind the concept, enjoy activities for all ages, and explore the trail system that makes Pinckney unique.
Meet the Visionary Behind the Project
Alayna Moricz, a lifelong Pinckney resident, recently graduated from Lawrence Technological University with both a Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design and a Master's Degree in Architecture. During her final year, she was challenged to create a project that was meaningful, impactful, and connected to her local community.
That challenge led her home.
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Through research, conversations with community leaders, and her own experiences growing up in Pinckney, Alayna identified an opportunity to reconnect downtown with the area's incredible outdoor recreation assets. Her concept focuses on transforming the historic Pinckney GTW Railroad Depot into a destination that serves both residents and visitors.
"Residents can enjoy hiking, fishing, biking, boating and many more outdoor activities," Alayna explains. "It is ironic that with this many outdoor amenities and attractions, the downtown area isn't strong and desirable and people tend to visit other towns."
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The Vision: A Trailside Café and Community Gathering Space
Alayna's concept reimagines the historic depot as a Trailside Café, offering a welcoming space along the Lakelands Trail for cyclists, walkers, families, and visitors. The concept also includes:
- Bike rentals
- Outdoor gathering areas
- Community event space
- Outdoor performances and entertainment
- A destination that connects downtown businesses with trail users
The goal is not only to preserve an important piece of local history but also to create a place that encourages economic growth, community engagement, and tourism in downtown Pinckney.
The project has already gained support and approval from both the Village of Pinckney and Putnam Township, with current efforts focused on funding a professional feasibility study. That study will be a critical first step toward pursuing grants and securing future development funding.
Join the Community on September 26
The upcoming Rails and Trails Community Day is an opportunity for residents to learn more about the project while enjoying a day of fun with family and friends.
Attendees can:
- Walk or bike the trail
- Learn about community history
- Hear more about the depot vision
- Enjoy family-friendly activities
- Purchase food and refreshments
- Support the fundraising effort for the depot feasibility study
A special Experience Day Pack will also be available for purchase, with all proceeds supporting the depot revitalization initiative.
Each Experience Day Pack includes:
- S'mores kit
- Souvenir popcorn cups to use during Rails and Reels following the event
- Downtown-wide scavenger hunt featuring local businesses
- Commemorative sticker showing your support for the Depot revitalization effort.
Fun Fact: Alayna Moricz, the innovator behind the Pinckney Depot revitalization concept, has a history of giving back to the community through creative projects. Alayna and her Girl Scout troop designed, planned, and built the Gaga Pit at Navigator Elementary. She also designed and completed the raised, covered sandbox at Farley Hill Elementary as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project.
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Why It Matters
Small communities thrive when residents rally around a shared vision. The historic depot sits at the intersection of Pinckney's past and its future. While preserving a treasured local landmark, this project also imagines new opportunities for recreation, economic development, and community connection.
Whether you're a longtime resident, a Lakelands Trail enthusiast, a supporter of local businesses, or simply someone who loves seeing young professionals invest in their hometown, the Rails and Trails Community Day is a chance to be part of something meaningful.
Mark your calendar for September 26 and come see what the future of the Pinckney Depot could look like.
AT THE DEPOT:
COMMUNITY SCAVENGER HUNT
Pick up your materials by the Historic GTW Depot beginning at 2pm. Explore Pinckney's great local businesses and hidden gems along the scavenger hunt route. S'mores packs and Souvenir Cups also included in the first 100 Experience Packs - you'll need them later.
We're asking for a $20 donation for the Experience Packs and all proceeds go to the Depot Feasibility Study. All participants will receive an "I Believe in Pinckney" window cling.
FREE ICE CREAM at pick-up, courtesy of For Kid's Sake.
AT THE PARK:
3:00pm — MUSIC IN THE PARK
Settle in. The afternoon gets started with live music in the park.
6:30pm — SCARY STORYTELLING with Steve Daut
Family-friendly tales to set the mood as the sun goes down. Steve Daut is a master storyteller whose stories are just scary enough. Learn more at http://stevedaut.com
7:30pm — HOCUS POCUS (1993) Sponsored by the DIO
Costumes encouraged! Gather your blankets or chairs, fire up those s'mores stations, and watch the Sanderson Sisters wreak havoc on the big screen. It's the perfect night for it.
S'MORES STATIONS on site all evening.
Popcorn and sodas available for purchase.
Bring your own chairs and blankets. Picnics welcome.
Please pack out what you pack in - let's keep Downtown Pinckney beautiful.
ALL PROCEEDS support the feasibility study to restore the historic Pinckney GTW Railroad Depot, built in 1883. Every dollar gets us closer to bringing this landmark back to life as a trailside community hub for all of Pinckney. We need to raise $8000 and we have currently raised $3600.
Donations are being held in an escrow account. Should the project not move forward for any reason, donations of $100 or more will be returned or can be applied to a different project.
This is our last night of the 2026 Rails to Reels season. Come celebrate what we've built - and what we're going to build.
Downtown Pinckney · Historic GTW Depot Area
Questions: jself@villageofpinckney.org | 716-394-3761
