Community Fundraiser Launched for Proposed Gladstone Bike Park
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GLADSTONE -- Delta County Nonmotorized Trails (DCNT) has launched a community fundraising campaign to support the development of a new bike park at the John and Melissa Besse Sports Park in Gladstone.
The proposed Gladstone Community Bike Park would create a safe, accessible outdoor recreation destination for children, families, hikers, and cyclists of all experience levels. Plans include a three-mile flowing singletrack trail around the property, a beginner-to-intermediate pump track, and a skills area with features such as balance beams, rock gardens, small drops, berms, and optional technical lines.
Delta County Nonmotorized Trails plans to apply for a $300,000 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant to help fund construction of the trail system and skills features. The grant application requires local matching funds, making community donations and sponsorships an important part of moving the project forward.
"This project is an opportunity to create a lasting recreation resource for Gladstone and the surrounding region," said Chuck Shurlow, DCNT President. "Community support will not only help us meet the grant's matching requirements, but will also demonstrate the strong local commitment behind the bike park."
Designed for accessibility, progression, and fun, the park would provide beginners with a welcoming place to learn while offering more experienced riders opportunities to develop their skills. The sustainable, low-maintenance trail design would also accommodate hiking and other nonmotorized recreation.
Supporters believe the bike park would provide several long-term benefits to the community, including:
— A safe, designated place for youth and families to ride
— More opportunities for physical activity and outdoor recreation
— Support for mental well-being and healthy lifestyles
— New possibilities for youth programs, clinics, events, and volunteer activities
— Increased recreation tourism and spending at local hotels, restaurants, and businesses
— A spring-through-fall recreation option that complements existing amenities at the John and Melissa Besse Sports Park
The project could also help position Gladstone as an outdoor recreation destination in Michigan's Upper Peninsula while improving the quality of life for local residents.
Individuals, families, businesses, and community organizations are invited to contribute to the matching-funds campaign. Every donation will help bring the project closer to construction and strengthen the Trust Fund grant application.
To learn more about the project or make a donation, visit dcntrails.com/gladstone-bike-park.