Construction on the first phase of the Lakeshore Trail is set to begin next year, and the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission is seeking to raise the last bit of funding needed.
The commission’s Marcy Hamilton tells us this is the trail planned along M-63 that will connect several parks and beaches along Lake Michigan and to downtown Benton Harbor and St. Joseph.
“It’s going to start on Higman Park Road where it connects to the Harbor Shores trails, about seven miles of public trails there,” Hamilton said. “Then it will go up along M-63.”
Hamilton says backers of the Lakeshore Trail have more than $3 million in federal, state, and local grants secured for the project. However, they still need about $100,000 more. Funds are now being raised.
“We’re looking to raise about $100,000. And what’s really cool is we had a local donor that offered to match one-to-one $100,000. So, if you donate $10, that turns into $20.”
As part of the effort, Hamilton says there will be a giveback night next Wednesday, December 11, at North Pier Brewing Company in Benton Harbor from 4 to 6 p.m. The brewery will donate $2 of each pint purchased. They’ll also hold a silent auction and offer appetizers. Everyone’s invited.
You can also donate to the trail project right here.
Next year’s Phase One of the Lakeshore Trail will connect St. Joseph and Benton Harbor to Jean Klock Park, Harbor Shores, Rocky Gap County Park, and the Whirlpool Mountain Bike Trails.
