The Boardman Lake Loop Trail Officially Open on Friday, July 1
Tomorrow, July 1, TART Trails, the City of Traverse City, Charter Township of Garfield, Grand Traverse County and other project partners are celebrating the official opening of the fully constructed Boardman Lake Loop Trail. Community members and visitors can now enjoy a 4+ mile Loop around the perimeter of the Boardman Lake, a community project more than 30 years in the making. From breaking ground last fall on the final section, Team will be removing the barricades by the end of the day today. This beautiful and highly anticipated Loop is the product of meaningful, high impact collaboration, years of support, gumption, and hard work from many facets of the community. Thanks to the passion and persistence of countless individuals and trail project partners, the Loop is now a reality and serves as the crown jewel and centerpiece of the TART Trails network. We are thrilled to share in this monumental moment with the community. Completing the Boardman Lake Loop Trail has been a top community priority on the minds of many community members and public figures as it serves as a critical corridor for non-motorized transportation and recreation.
Marty Colburn, Traverse City Manager shared, "completion of the Loop is a fine example of collaboration that has brought this transformational project to fruition. The project has had the City's full support and will serve as a critical connector for non-motorized transportation and recreational users in our region."
Chuck Korn, Garfield Township Supervisor also stated, "Garfield Township is excited to reach this milestone, we are grateful for the many partners who created a unique asset for the community."
Nate Alger, Grand Traverse County Administrator shared, "Traverse County is proud to have been a partner in making the Boardman Lake Loop a reality! Grand Traverse County is ommitted to healthy initiatives such as the Boardman Lake Loop and our new Fitness Court which sits adjacent to a segment of the Boardman Lake Loop. Recently recognized as the healthiest county in the State of Michigan, Grand Traverse County strives to make wellness a priority. This is in part due to Grand Traverse County and all of our local partners embracing the effects of wellness in our community and being willing to use our combined resources to make wellness a priority for our county."
"Thirty years ago a group of local visionaries set forth on what we now know as the Boardman Lake Loop Trail. Thanks to their efforts and ability to stir hearts and minds, this project stands as an example of what is possible when we work towards a collective community goal. Along the way, countless individuals, community partners, public and private funders and enthusiastic trail users have helped us achieve this significant milestone that stands as a legacy for people to enjoy for generations to come," added TART Trails Chief Executive
Officer, Julie Clark.
While the trail will be officially open for use, there are still a few remaining elements to be completed such as benches, interpretation panels, and a few other such amenities. The press and public are invited to join us for a weekend long celebration of completion of he Loop later this summer. A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for Friday, August 19, at 5pm followed by a weekend of activities celebrating the trail. More event details can be found online at https://traversetrails.org/events/.
Photo Credit: Team Elmers