Fred Meijer Berry Junction Trail Fundraising Goal Nearly Complete

[Muskegon, MI, May 10, 2018] The Fred Meijer Berry Junction Trail Commission is closing in on it’s nearly $2.1 million fundraising goal with a significant contribution from the Consumers Energy Foundation.

Commission members recently accepted a $27,000 grant from the foundation to assist in completing the 4.6 miles of regional trails throughout Muskegon County that help connect two nearby state trails, the Hart to Montague Trail, and the Musketawa Trail.

“The growth in the number of trailways throughout Michigan has provided residents and visitors alike an opportunity to safely enjoy the great outdoors by walking, running or bicycling,” said Brandon Hofmeister, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “The Fred Meijer Berry Junction Trail connects several existing paths and will help enhance these healthy activities for Muskegon County visitors and residents. We are pleased to play a role in making this connection.”

Consumers Energy, its foundation, employees and retirees last year contributed over $17 million to Michigan nonprofits. The Consumers Energy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Consumers Energy, providing funds for education, community, civic and cultural development, social services, the environment, and emerging issues.

This “Phase II” of the trail is expected to be completed this spring and is the culmination of the work between five communities that started in 2003. Represented on the commission are the City of North Muskegon, Muskegon Charter Township, Laketon Township, Dalton Township and Fruitland Township. Other involved groups include the Muskegon County Road Commission, the County of Muskegon, the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission, the Michigan Department of Transportation, the West Michigan Trails and Greenways Coalition and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

“The Fred Meijer Berry Junction Trail Commission is very appreciative of the Consumers Energy Foundation’s support,” said Commission Chairman and Dalton Township Supervisor Tony Barnes. “The collaboration of public and private groups supporting this trail is an indication of the widespread support we have received over the years.”

Phase II traverses two townships (Dalton Township and Muskegon Charter Township) and a portion of the City of North Muskegon, where it connects at its southern point to the Center Street/Lake Ave. Trail, and to major regional trails such as the Muskegon Lakeshore Trail, The Musketawa Trail, the Laketon Trail and the North Bank Trail.  At the northern end of the trail, Phase II connects with Phase I at McMillan Road in Dalton Township, and travels 6.1 miles north into the City of Whitehall, and connects with the 22 mile long Hart Montague Bicycle Trail State Park.  There is an existing trail-head with parking and other amenities located at the McMillan Road connection point.

There are also several “spurs” that connect to this trail in its entirety that will allow non-motorized travelers to access the Muskegon State Park and the Duck Lake State Park, as well as many other local parks and recreation areas.  This is the final segment that connects hundreds of miles of existing trails throughout the region and state.

For more information on the Fred Meijer Berry Junction Trail Commission, visit their website at www.berryjunctiontrail.com