Construction has officially begun on the Interlochen Community Art Trail, marking a major milestone in connecting local destinations through a multi-use pathway.
INTERLOCHEN, Mich., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- After years of planning and community collaboration, construction is underway on the first portions of the Interlochen Community Art Trail, marking an important milestone toward the community's long-term vision for a 3.5-mile non-motorized trail connecting parks, schools, campgrounds, neighborhoods, businesses, and cultural destinations throughout Interlochen.
Phase 1 and a portion of Phase 2 of the trail project are now under contract. Construction and paving of Phase 1 were completed in late September, with work on a portion of Phase 2 expected to be completed by November 15, 2026.
"This is a project that has been envisioned by our community for years, and it is incredibly exciting to see the first pieces become a reality," said Brian McCallister, Interlochen DDA Chair and County Commissioner for District 1. "Every section we complete brings us closer to a safer, more connected Interlochen where people can walk, bike, and explore our community."
Interlochen Center for the Arts has partnered with the Interlochen Downtown Development Authority to fund the section of trail extending from the pedestrian tunnel near the Interlochen campus toward the Little Betsie River. The approximately $320,000 section is being funded equally by the DDA and Interlochen Center for the Arts.
Completion of the full trail remains dependent on additional funding. The entire 3.5-mile project, envisioned to stretch from the Four Corners area of Interlochen to Green Lake Township Memorial Park, is expected to cost more than $3 million. A significant next step will be securing funding for a pedestrian bridge across the Little Betsie River, which would allow the trail to continue toward the Interlochen Community Center and other nearby destinations.
When fully realized, the 10-foot-wide paved pathway is envisioned for bicyclists, walkers, runners, and other non-motorized users, with ADA-accessible ramps, enhanced crosswalks, and connections to important community destinations.
For Interlochen Center for the Arts, the portions now moving forward will help create a safer connection between campus and the surrounding community, providing students, employees, and visitors with an alternative to walking along busy roadways.
"This is a meaningful step forward, and one worth celebrating," said Interlochen President Trey Devey. "We are proud to invest in a project that will make our community safer and more connected. At the same time, we know there is significant work and investment still ahead to realize the full vision for this trail. We're grateful for the many partners who have helped bring us this far and who will be essential to moving the project forward."
The Interlochen Community Art Trail is a collaborative effort involving local governments, community organizations, Interlochen Center for the Arts, and community members. Friends of the Interlochen Community Art Trail, a nonprofit organization established to support the project, continues to raise private funds for future phases.
The project has also been identified by TART Trails as one of several new trail connections in Grand Traverse County awaiting additional funding. TART's "Trails Connect Us" initiative lists the Interlochen Community Art Trail among projects that could benefit from a proposed countywide trails millage on the November ballot. If approved by voters, the millage would establish a dedicated county funding source for trail construction, planning, maintenance, bridges, land acquisition, and other trail needs. Funding decisions would be made through a county process that includes recommendations from a Trails Advisory Committee and final approval by the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners.
"We have made real progress, but this is just the beginning," Devey said. "Completing the full trail will require continued public and private investment and strong partnerships across our region. What is being built today demonstrates what is possible when a community comes together around a shared vision."
Community members can follow project updates, view maps and design plans, learn about future phases and funding needs, and find opportunities to support the project at www.interlochencommunityarttrail.com.
About the Interlochen Community Art Trail
The Interlochen Community Art Trail is a planned 3.5-mile multi-use trail connecting Green Lake Township Memorial Park to U.S. 31. Designed for walking, biking, running and other non-motorized activities, the trail will connect parks, schools, neighborhoods, businesses and cultural destinations while providing a safe, accessible way to explore the Interlochen community. The project is supported by the Interlochen Downtown Development Authority, Green Lake Township, Interlochen Center for the Arts and Friends of the Interlochen Community Art Trail.
Media Contact
Shore Fire Media, Interlochen Center for the Arts, 1 (718) 522-7171, [email protected]
SOURCE Interlochen Center for the Arts
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