Comfort in Community Connections

Greetings TARTans,
This past weekend North American Vasa race organizers and volunteers, with the help of some TART groomer magic, pulled off a fantastic series of races on a sunny Saturday. There were lots of smiles, high fives and hugs shared by racers and their friends and families. On Monday evening, we had a warm and welcoming gathering of amazing TART volunteers hosted by the kind and generous folks at the Filling Station. These two reminders of the joy and comfort we find in our trail community served me well in a week with another jarring reminder that life is precious. The community connections trails make, in all their forms, help us find friends among strangers and create connections that help us heal in times of hardship. I hope you find solace, peace and comfort on the trails and in this caring community you helped create.

Julie Clark, Chief Executive Officer

Speak Up, Show Up
The TART Bayfront Improvement & Extension Project public input phase is underway. Project partners launched the first of multiple public input opportunities to help inform design and trail user experience. This is your chance to voice support for the critical community connections helping us get around by foot or on bike between the base of Old Mission, downtown Traverse City, and the beaches along Grand Traverse Bay. Join a public open house session later today at the following locations and times. Learn more about the project and stay up to date with future sessions here.

Downtown Section Focus
Thursday, February 16, 2023: 3-4:30 pm
Governmental Center, Training Room
400 Boardman Avenue

Base of Peninsula Section Focus
Thursday, February 16, 2023: 6-7:30pm
NMC Innovation Center & Library (Formerly West Hall)
1720 College Drive

Power the PistenBully 100
Last week we launched a public fundraising campaign to purchase a PistenBully 100 to replace our well loved yet outdated LMC grooming machine. This new state of the art machine will help our grooming team work their magic and continue our community investment in the best possible skiing conditions for decades to come. We got a big boost this weekend thanks to a challenge match from our friends at North American Vasa. For one week only, contributions to the campaign will be matched 1:1 up to $10,000! Thank you so much to those who have already generously contributed to help Power a new PistenBully for the Vasa Pathway! Learn more about this exciting campaign and how you can be part of the match here.

SPECIAL THANKS

Many thanks to the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians for awarding a grant to Acme Township for the Deepwater Connector. This next phase of the Nakwema Trailway will begin at Bayside Park, follow a scenic stretch of Acme Creek, and provide non-motorized access to the Deepwater Point Natural Area via shared roadway. Since the 2% allocation began in 1994, GTB has allocated $44,908,652.77 to local organizations - thank you so much for all you do to support the community!

What an incredible evening spent with some of the best company around. Thank you to our talented and dedicated volunteer community for joining us earlier this week for our Winter Social, a meet and greet with our new Outreach Coordinator, Jonny Tornga. Volunteers truly are the heart of TART and it was a privilege to gather with these fine folks over a slice and a brew. Also, an extra special shoutout to our gracious hosts at the Filling Station for assisting with the space and smiles.

PS. Make sure to get yourself a Looper Amber Ale next time you're visiting the Filling Station. Not only is it delicious, they also donate a portion of sales back to the Boardman Lake Loop Trail!

We are grateful for the Art & Mary Schmuckal Family Foundation's recent grant award in support of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail! Design and engineering is currently underway for the next segment which will extend north from Bohemian Road (CR 669) to Good Harbor Trail (CR 651), highlighting the best this region has to offer. The Art and Mary Schmuckal Family Foundation supports charitable organizations serving citizens in the greater Grand Traverse region.

Welcome to the newest members of our Sustainers Circle of Donors!

Brad, Jenny, Macen, Molly, and Emma White
Mary and Tim Clulo
Tim and Doreen Onthank
Amy and Mario Kennedy

Thank you for making happy, healthy, connected communities happen.

Learn more about our Sustainers Circle here.

TART TRIVIA

Do you know the origins of the TART?

In 1987, a group of residents called Citizens for a Better Way came together to provide pedestrian and bicycle connections along the U.S. 31 corridor. When U.S. 31 was widened between M-72 and Three Mile Road, Citizens for a Better Way worked closely with local and state governmental officials to create what came to be called the Traverse Area Recreation Trail (TART). Their vision set into motion what we have come to expect in our trails today — welcoming and inspiring spaces that connect people and places to our beautiful bay, friendly neighborhoods and beloved downtown. Be sure to show up today to speak up for more and better connections and experiences on the TART.