Construction is underway on the first portions of the Interlochen Community Art Trail, a new 3.5-mile non-motorized trail connecting parks, schools, campgrounds, neighborhoods, businesses, and 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.

Interlochen Center for the Arts has partnered with the Interlochen Downtown Development Authority to equally fund the $320,000 section of trail extending from the pedestrian tunnel near the Interlochen campus toward the Little Betsie River. Completion of the full trail remains dependent on additional funding. Friends of the Interlochen Community Art Trail, a nonprofit organization established to support the project, continues to raise private funds for future phases.

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," according to a release from Interlochen Center for the Arts.

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 community destinations. Interlochen Center for the Arts said 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."

Project updates and more details are available online at InterlochenCommunityArtTrail.com.