Crowdfunding campaign for lakeshore fitness trail begins

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Courtesy GameTime

The first phase of a new fitness trail project in Muskegon will begin pending the success of a crowdfunding campaign.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the city of Muskegon last week launched a crowdfunding campaign with a goal of raising $20,000 by May 15. If the goal is met, a matching grant will be awarded with funds from MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places program.

This campaign will allow the city and the Beachwood Bluffton Neighborhood Association (BBNA) to begin work on a fitness pod as part of a fitness and environmental trail along the Lakeshore Trail in Muskegon. The first pod will be stationed at the city’s Beachwood Park, at 3157 Dune St. adjacent to the trail.

The pod will accommodate 10 people at a time and include equipment providing upper- and lower-body strength training. This includes pull-up bars, sit-up benches, medicine balls, ladders, step-up platforms and fitness flooring.

“Amenities that improve access to community health and well-being are an important part of great public placemaking,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Community Development Michele Wildman. “We are pleased to support and provide resources for this project through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”

Any additional funds raised beyond the crowdfunding goal will be used for future fitness trail installations. The overall goal of the project is to have multiple fitness stations in place along a 1.6-mile beach loop of the Lakeshore Trail.

“The fitness trail project has long had neighborhood support, but outdoor recreational equipment is prohibitively expensive,” said Chris Willis, BBNA chair. “This project is made possible by a partnership with the city of Muskegon for installation and the Public Spaces Community Places matching grant, amplifying every generous donation we receive.”

Following a successful campaign, installation of the equipment will take place by fall 2022.

The campaign is offered through Patronicity, a Michigan-based crowdfunding platform.

Contributions by cash or check also are accepted and should be enclosed in an envelope labeled BBNA Lakeshore Fitness Trail, along with the contributor’s name and any other necessary information, and mailed to the city of Muskegon, 933 Terrace St., Muskegon, MI 49440.

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