Ottawa County Launches GoFundMe Page for Local Trail Project

Ottawa County, Michigan sent this bulletin at 10/04/2018 01:35 PM EDT

Ottawa County Launches GoFundMe Page for Local Trail Project

All outdoor lovers will soon be able to enjoy a journey along almost 50 miles of recreational trails in Ottawa County with the completion of the Spoonville Trail. Construction of Phase II of the Spoonville Trail, a 1.7-mile-long stretch in Crockery Township is planned to begin this spring. This beautiful section of trail way will meander through the picturesque ravines of the Terra Verde Golf Course property, making it the first public trail in Michigan with an easement through a golf course. While over 96% of the $2.3 million project is funded, a small amount remains in order to cross the finish line. To do this, the County has created a GoFundMe campaign as part of their fundraising efforts – and are in need of your help!

The Spoonville Trail Project began in 2014 with the construction of the M-231 Bypass. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) constructed a beautiful bridge over the Grand River as part of the M-231 Bypass that includes the Sgt. Henry E. Plant Memorial Pathway. With the 18-mile-long North Bank Trail north of the river, and the 28-mile-long Idema Explorers Trail south of the river, the Spoonville Trail is being constructed to be the key north-south connector of these trails to create nearly 50 connected miles of recreational pathways for hiking, biking, and exploring. The Spoonville Trail will be part of a regional loop that makes safe, fun, and environmentally friendly transportation possible from the shores of Lake Michigan all the way to Grand Rapids.

The Spoonville Trail will also offer a good dose of West Michigan Native American history. MDOT is planning the construction of a Native American Educational Terrace on the north side of the bridge where users can learn about local Native American culture and heritage and view photographs of actual artifacts that were unearthed during the construction of M-231. This area is anticipated to be a popular destination for school field trips as the information discovered right here in Ottawa County is planned to be added to the school curriculum in Michigan!

In order for construction of the final phase to begin next spring and to make this project a reality, the County needs to raise a final $80,000. Anyone interested in making a tax-deductible donation can do so directly at https://www.gofundme.com/spoonville-trail Or we encourage you to reach out to the Planning & Performance Improvement Department at (616) 738-4852 or plan@miOttawa.org for more information.

spoonville map

Media Contact: Danielle Bouchard | Land Use Planning Specialist | 616-738-4852

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Ottawa County is located on Lake Michigan’s spectacular freshwater coastline where nature is cherished and protected. More than the lakeshore, you’ll find the people of Ottawa County friendly yet driven, working hard to succeed in charming downtown small businesses, at manufacturing hubs with global impact and on acres passed down from generations. We embrace creativity and believe that diversity makes us stronger. We resolve that our public services must be high-quality and cost-effective. We are innovative and never wait for someone to solve our problems for us. We are friendly neighbors chipping in, lending a hand and making sure you know Ottawa County is where you belong.

The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners meets the second and fourth Tuesdays each month at 1:30PM. The public is welcome and encouraged to participate. Meetings are held in the Board Room located at 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, Michigan.

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