October 27, 2003

Traverse Area Recreation & Transportation Trails (TART Trails) has paved two additional miles on the Leelanau Trail! The trail group met on Sunday to host a ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the opening of the newly paved section between Fouch Road and Lakeview Road. Board members, staff and supporters of TART Trails were in attendance.

At the ceremony, TART Trails Executive Director Bob Otwell explained the significance of the paving effort. “This newly paved two-mile section of trail is a forerunner of things to come. This paving is the result of TART’s nearly complete capital campaign effort called, Pathways to the Future.”

Two years ago, TART Trails, with the help of a devoted board and campaign cabinet, ambitiously began raising capital funds to accomplish several trail improvement projects. “2004 is shaping up to be a landmark year for TART Trails,” continues Otwell. “Many of the projects that have been funded by Pathways to the Future, will break ground. We expect the following projects to occur within the next 12 months: TART-Leelanau Trail connector, TART Trail east extension from Lautner Road-M-72, TART-Vasa on-road connector and the east-side Boardman Lake Trail construction. All of these projects, will improve the recreation and transportation facilities in your community.”

TART Trails capital campaign chairperson, Lois Bahle, held the honor of cutting the ribbon at the celebration. Bahle thanked the supporters of this project, “Without the support and dedication of many individuals, businesses and foundations, this trail project would not have been possible.” Bahle also noted that the group still needs to raise around $100,000 to reach their fundraising goal.

The newly paved two-mile section of trail from Fouch Road to Lakeview Road is complete and open to the public.

posted 10/27/2003