Michigan’s Dragon Trail gets $1M grant to reach finish line in 2023

WHITE CLOUD, MI – The stage has been set for the completion of Michigan’s Dragon Path at Hardy Dam.

On Wednesday, the Newaygo County Board of Commissioners appropriated $1.05 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to fund the completion of the venture, which includes 11 segments forming a 47-mile loop round Hardy Pond in Newaygo and Mecosta counties.

Twenty-two miles are already open to the general public with greater than 12 miles in Newaygo County and greater than eight miles in Mecosta County.

Path builders with Spectrum Path Design LLC are within the technique of constructing 14 extra miles of path. Later this Fall, a 7.6-mile connection between Newaygo State Park and Brower County Park will open to the general public.

Venture officers hope to have all building accomplished in 2023 due to the newly allotted funds. It is going to be the fruits of greater than 10 years of labor.

Most notably, the cash will permit for the creation of a totally ADA-accessible mile of path beginning at Huge Prairie Township’s Operators Park on the East facet of Hardy Dam.

“It is vital that folks of all talents can expertise Michigan’s Dragon at Hardy Dam. This mile of accessible path will permit wheelchair accessibility, and the trailhead will embody handicapped parking so everybody can discover the Dragon Path,” mentioned Nick Smith, Newaygo County Parks Director Earlier this 12 months, the Mecosta County Board of Commissioners additionally allotted funds, which implies the venture is now absolutely funded.

The primary half of building was funded by many beneficiant donors and group companions by means of fundraising and grants. Most just lately, funds had been acquired from the DNR Belief Fund Grant Program which was utilized to fund two building phases.

Firstly of this venture, Michigan State College accomplished an financial influence examine that estimated a greater than $4 million annual financial influence to the area because of the addition of the Dragon Path.

Eating places, campgrounds, and different companies have been reporting new guests to the realm because of the path, based on a information launch.

“This venture is essential to fulfill our area’s rising leisure and tourism demand. The financial influence we’re already seeing from this venture made it a precedence for Newaygo County to finish the Dragon Path,” mentioned County Administrator Chris Wren.

Updates for the venture could be discovered on Fb and at www.thedragon.us.