The nearly 2.5-mile Boardman Lake Trail, that currently stretches from the northwest corner of Boardman Lake in Traverse City, crosses over the Boardman River on the north end, hugs the east side of the lake and extends south to Medalie Park/Logan’s Landing on the lake’s southeast corner, is looking to continue its reach into the Boardman River valley. For over 30 years, a trail circling Boardman Lake and extending down and along the Boardman River has been a dream for R. Ted Okerstrom.

When Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART) Trails was formed in 1998, Okerstrom joined the board and added the Boardman Lake and River trails to our system map. Now, his dream is moving closer to reality with a recent Coastal Zone Management (CMZ) Program grant that has been awarded to the Grand Traverse County Road Commission and TART.  The CMZ grant will fund a feasibility study to evaluate the various ways a grade separated crossing of South Airport Road might be made and how much it will cost. Garfield Township, the City of Traverse City, Grand Traverse County, and Sara Lee Bakery have provided matching funds for the grant. A local engineering firm has been hired to undertake the feasibility study.

“With the completion of the east Boardman Lake Trail, the purchase of riverfront property south of South Airport Road by Garfield Township, and improvements to the Grand Traverse County Nature Education Reserve, the one significant gap in this important regional trail is the safe crossing of South Airport Road,” states Okerstrom. “With this grant, we will explore the idea of a tunnel under South Airport Road or a bridge system over the waterway,” continued Okerstrom.

The trail expansion down the Boardman River valley could also be an important economic driver for our region by making our community more livable; improving the economy through tourism; preserving green spaces; and providing opportunities for physical activity to improve fitness and mental health. “This opportunity could further boost the economy in the Traverse region for businesses and individuals looking to start or relocate a business who are seeking a higher quality-of-life and year-round recreational opportunities that this trail expansion project surely would bring,” continued Okerstrom.

The trail will connect downtown Traverse City residents, pedestrians, bicyclists, and skiers to the Grand Traverse County’s athletic fields, Nature Education Reserve and the Boardman River valley. Meetings are being scheduled with various stakeholders, and a general meeting for public input will be scheduled soon.

The Boardman Lake Trail may be accessed from Traverse City’s Old Town Neighborhood at the end of 10^th Street (through Oryana Natural Food Coop’s parking lot) or at two trailheads that are located at Hull Park (Woodmere/Hannah Ave) and Medalie Park (off South Airport Rd near Logan’s Landing). Find out more information about trails in Traverse City at www.traversetrails.org