Site preparations are slated to begin this week for the new Lakeshore Trail, a multi-use trail along M-63 between Harbor Shores and the Whirlpool headquarters.
The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission’s Marcy Hamilton tells us the first phase of work will be on a hill near Higman Park Road.
“There’s a huge hill there that we need to get the trail up,” Hamilton said. “So to make that ADA compliant and make sure that the grade isn’t very steep, they’re going to be clearing trees in that area so that we can grade that trail into that hillside.”
About two acres will be cleared, but Hamilton says the Friends of Berrien County Trails and community leaders are mounting a fundraising campaign to fund a nature restoration plan that will include the planting of around 100 new trees along the trail.
The site preparation work for the Lakeshore Trail starting this week should only take a couple of weeks. Hamilton says the construction of the actual trail will be this year.
“We’re still waiting on a couple more permits, but as soon as those are issued, then we’ll go out to bed and be ready to start construction of the trail on M-63.”
When finished, the Lakeshore Trail will be about 2.5 miles and connect to the bike trails behind the Whirlpool property. The trail will also eventually connect to Van Buren County and the Kal Haven Trail. New signage will be introduced on the trails in and around Harbor Shores and Jean Klock Park this spring to direct hikers or bicyclists to different attractions.
There’s a crowdfunding campaign going on right now to support all of this work. Hamilton says the money raised will be matched by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation up to $75,000. You can find the crowdfunding site right here.
Also, two giveback nights are planned by St. Joseph area restaurants to support the trail effort. Details are below.
Local Give Back Nights are also planned in March to help support fundraising efforts:
1. Wednesday, March 26th – Silver Beach Pizza will donate 20% of your check, dine in and carry out, to the Lakeshore Trail fund when the flyer is presented. Get the flyer here:
Event Calendar – Friends of Berrien County Trails
2. Sunday, March 30th – Plank’s Tavern will donate 50% of sales from 4-8 PM, dine in and carry out, to the Lakeshore Trail fund. Please make reservations if dining in. Event details:
