The newly completed Boardman Lake Loop Trail will officially open to the public Friday, with construction crews finishing ahead of schedule to allow for holiday weekend use.

Team Elmer's announced Thursday that crews had finished primary construction on the final leg of the trail loop between NMC’s University Center and Medalie Park. The Boardman Lake Loop Trail now consists of a complete four-mile loop encircling the lake. "Team Elmer’s is finishing ahead of schedule, and we are so excited that the loop will be open to the public in time for the holiday weekend," says Brian Beauchamp of TART Trails. "While the trail will be officially open for use as of Friday, there are still a few remaining elements to be completed, such as benches, interpretation panels, and a few other such amenities."

According to Beauchamp, a Boardman Lake Loop Trail Celebration will take place on August 19, including a ribbon cutting followed by events throughout that weekend "to celebrate this community milestone."