Community Announcement - Lakeshore Trail Event

Community Announcement: Community Multi-Use Trail Along M-63 To Be Constructed in 2025
As part of the Berrien County Trails Master Plan, the engineering is complete for phase 1 of the Lakeshore Trail, a walking/biking trail along M-63 connecting the community to several parks and beaches along Lake Michigan and to downtown Benton Harbor and St. Joseph.  
 
This is the first phase of a larger effort to ultimately connect the trail systems in St. Joseph and Benton Harbor to the Van Buren State Park Trail which connects to South Haven.  This 2.5-mile section of the Lakeshore Trail will be a paved, multi-use walking and biking trail from the Harbor Shores Trails on Higman Park Road in Benton Harbor, along M-63, and to the Monte Road trailhead of the Lakeview Mountain Bike Trail. 
 
While engineering is complete, funding efforts are in progress and the trail is expected to be constructed in 2025. Nearly $3 million in funding has been secured through federal, state and local grants but community funding is needed to complete the project. A local donor has offered to match up to $100,000 in donations. A fundraising event is planned for Wednesday, Dec. 11th from 4-6pm at North Pier Brewing in Benton Harbor. A portion of every pint purchased will be donated to the Lakeshore Trail, a silent auction will be held, and light appetizers will be provided.
 
More details and a donation link at www.berrientrails.org/lakeshoretrail.asp.
 
Interviews available with the following community leaders:

• Marcy Hamilton, Southwest Michigan Planning Commission and Friends of Berrien County Trails Board Advisor
• Chris Cook, Harbor Shores Community Redevelopment Managing Director
• Beat Stocker, Friends of Berrien County Trails Board Member
• Mike Garey, Friends of Berrien County Trails Board Vice President