Hello TARTans,

Over the past few months I've been training with a friend for a half marathon (I really do need to sign up for it already). All summer we've been weaving our way around the trails and through the City as we increase our mileage each week. It's been a ton of fun to run the new sidewalk connections, crosswalks and trails that connect us through town. Our training coincides with the near completion of close to 20 miles of new sidewalk constructed in the City. That substantial leap in immediate connections is thanks to the incredible leadership of Traverse City Commissioners who supported a bond nearly 3 years ago, paired with the City's recent Safe Routes to School grant, in direct response to residents' support to make our community more walkable and bikeable. Add trail connections like the Boardman Lake Loop Trail extension and our training, and our town, is clearly benefiting. How we invest in our infrastructure reflects our values and from what I can see our leaders value a healthy, thriving, resilient City. I'm grateful for the Commission's vision - both past and present - to support a vibrant and connected Traverse City. There are more connections to be made and certainly more work to be done, but this substantial increase is providing immediate and noticeable opportunities for safe and convenient access for all. And I'm determined to run every mile of sidewalk before this training wraps up!

 

With gratitude,

Julie Clark, Executive Director

NEWS TO KNOW

The Downtown Development Authority in cooperation with the City of Traverse City invites you to chime in on the Reimagine East Front Street Initiative. This second round of public input will provide an opportunity to examine and discuss three potential design scenarios for East Front Street as well as three scenarios for two-way streets throughout downtown. Community workshops will be held Monday, September 27 at 12-1:30pm and 6-7:30pm. All in-person meetings will be held in the Minerva’s Boardroom in the Park Place Hotel (300 East State Street, Traverse City). A virtual option is also available. Learn more here.

Despite it being a popular destination for mountain bikers, a technicality in the deed for 100 acres of land behind the Grand Traverse Commons owned by Garfield Township meant that mountain biking was not allowed. Thanks to Senator Wayne Schmidt and local trail champion and TART Trails Ambassador Gabe Schneider that deed restriction has been officially lifted by the State of Michigan. Now community partners can work together on improving the trails to address growing use and mounting erosion challenges. An exciting milestone for better community trails!

We're thrilled to be the nonprofit partner of the 2021 Acme Fall Festival on Saturday, October 2. This event has it all - classic car show, kids section, bake sale, farmers market, craft show, silent auction, delicious food and more. Proceeds benefit TART Trails to support the Acme Connector Trail. More details here.

Looking for a fun way to volunteer and be a part of the community? Considering helping out! Visit Acme Fall Festival to learn more about volunteering opportunities. 

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Northern United Brewing Company


 

Northern United Brewing Company, including Jolly Pumpkin and North Peak Brewing Company, continues to provide event and sponsorship support to TART Trails year after year. This year North Peak Brewing graciously hosted our kick off for Smart Commute Week by providing free breakfast for over 100 people! Then in July both restaurants teamed up to provide some of their favorite brews for hundreds of thirsty cyclists at our annual Tour de TART. And tonight at the Volunteer Appreciation Party we will celebrate the amazing TART Trails volunteers with help from our friends at the Jolly Pumpkin who are generously donating beer, wine and hors d' oeuvres!

 

Thank you to Jacklin Steel Supply Co. and Christian Holz for their contribution and support of safer trail and road intersections. They generously donated the steel stencil pictured that was laser cut with TART's "Caution" message for intersections. We're looking for volunteer help to paint the caution message at select intersections. Please contact us if you can help out.

EVENTS AROUND THE BEND

FRIENDLY (and funny) TRAIL REMINDERS: