Lakeshore Trail Extension Will Add Two Miles to Existing Pathway

A planned Lakeshore Trail extension in Berrien County, Michigan, will connect existing trailways in Saint Joseph and Benton Harbor, adding two miles to the already 20-mile pathway, with the end goal of extending further to Van Buren County.

Friends of Berrien County Trails nonprofit expect to begin construction on the addition in June, with plans to open in October. The new portion of the trail will feature a paved, accessible path with signage, crosswalks, boardwalks and nature restoration efforts.

“Completion of the Lakeshore Trail project will provide multiple benefits to Berrien County,” says Dan Gilmartin, CEO and executive director of the Michigan Municipal League, reports Rural Innovation Exchange. “This trail will attract visitors from within and outside the community, giving people a safe and accessible way to experience the outdoors and connect with the world around them.” 

The project was accepted into Michigan’s placemaking initiative Public Spaces Community Places. If organizers are able to raise $75,000 through a crowdfunding campaign on the Michigan-based Patronicity platform, MEDC will contribute a matching $75,000 to the project.

To learn more or donate, visit https://www.patronicity.com/project/lakeshore_trail#!/