Generous Supporters ~ Endorsements
Phase I Map of the Lowell Area Trailway
Section 1 through Section 6
Press Release 12/14/09
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Trust Fund Board announced that the Lowell Area Recreation Authority has been awarded $398,000 for construction of Phase I of its trail project. Of the 175 applications received, Lowell’s trail project ranked #1 in meeting the criteria and guidelines established by the MDNR for the grant program. The public campaign, launched last March, seeks to create a paved pedestrian trail that links parks and schools in the Lowell community.
With this latest award, grant funding from MDNR and MDOT total $656,000. Remarkably, the trail is being constructed without a tax millage. The campaign has been well received by community members, local businesses as well as regional funding sources. Substantial commitments have been received from the Lowell Area Community Fund, the Steelcase Foundation, the Frey Foundation, Litehouse Inc, the Amway Corporation and most recently the Lowell Cable TV Fund.
The first phase of the trailway system will connect Lowell High School, and the Wittenbach/Wege Center in Vergennes Township with Creekside Park, Cherry Creek Elementary and the City of Lowell. Phase I of this trail will connect to the proposed trail connecting Lowell to Greenville. Conceptual plans for future phases of trails leading to Stoney Lakeside Park with a pedestrian bridge to Riverside Park in Lowell Township. Future plans also include connecting to the proposed Lowell to Ionia trail and to the North Country National Scenic Trail.
The group plans to announce final funding and construction plans at the Lowell EXPO on March 20th.
"This news is exciting for the entire community of Lowell, but especially for the LARA Board and the Campaign Cabinet of the Lowell Area Trailway. Some of us have been dreaming this dream since 2000, and when we are watching the construction next year, I for one will need a good pinch to prove it is real." Mari Stone
2008 Press Release
Saturday, March 28 at the Lowell Community Expo, leaders of the "Connecting Our Community" campaign announced the beginning of the public phase of a $750,000 fundraising effort to bring a three mile pedestrian trail way to the community of Lowell and the surrounding region.
Over the past several years, community surveys have ranked accessible trail ways as one of the top recreational priorities by area residents. In 2007, the Board of the Lowell Area Recreational Authority authorized the initiation of a public fundraising effort to bring community trails to the Lowell area. Since then, a group of dedicated community leaders has been working with area philanthropists and community donors to raise $750,000 as a local contribution for the $1.5 million trail way effort. The group will be seeking another $750,000 in state and federal grants designated for non-motorized trail ways.
To date, the "Connecting Our Community" campaign has raised over $360,532.00 in gifts and pledges for this project. "This campaign ensures that local residents will have safe connections to schools and community parks as well as pathways for recreational activities such as walking, running, and biking," said Betsy Davidson, one of three co-chairs for the fundraising campaign.
Liz Baker, Executive Director of the Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce and Co-Chair of the campaign described the benefits that trail ways will bring to the region, "Trails provide avenues for exercise and safe travel. More importantly, they provide another free activity for local families while connecting our schools, parks, and neighborhoods to the local business community."
The first phase of the trail way system will connect Lowell High School, and the Wittenbach/Wege Center in Vergennes Township with Creekside Park, Cherry Creek Elementary and the City of Lowell. Conceptual plans have been developed for trails leading to Stony Lakeside Park with a pedestrian bridge to Riverside Park in Lowell Township. Additional planned phases include connecting to the Kent County Fairgrounds, the dog park, and the downtown shopping area. The local trail will also serve as a hub to larger regional and national trail systems including connections to Greenville and Ionia and the North Country National Scenic Trail, which extends through seven states.
"We salute the Lowell Area for their vision, trail planning and fund raising accomplishments," said Annamarie Bauer with the Department of Natural Resources, Recreation and Trails Sections. "The Lowell Area Trailway will provide community recreation opportunities and help achieve important connections in the regional and state trail network." Also attending the Expo for the announcement was Congressman Vern Ehlers and Representative Dave Hildenbrand.
"The announcement marks the beginning of the community phase of this campaign which has already seen tremendous support from regional foundations and local business leaders," said Jodie Seese, Campaign Co-chair. Seese expressed her appreciation for early leadership commitments from the Lowell Area Community Fund, the Steelcase Foundation, the Frey Foundation, Litehouse Inc, Amway Corporation and the Look Memorial Fund, just to name a few. "The support so far has been outstanding. Now we will work with the community to complete the fund raising efforts. Together we will build trails that will connect our community for generations to come."
Add me to your Email List for the Trailway Newsletter
Lowell Area Recreation Authority 2009 Recreation Plan (10 meg)