June 18, 2021
The fundraising campaign to get the Acme Connector on the ground received a big boost on June 18 thanks to a challenge match provided by the Oleson Foundation, Tri-County Bicycle Association – DALMAC Fund, and Aspire North Realtors.℠ Through July, every gift from private donors towards the Acme Connector campaign will be matched 1:1 up to $75,000.
Acme Township Parks and Trails committee, in partnership with TART Trails, has spearheaded trail planning and design. The trail will connect the current TART Trail terminus at Bunker Hill Road to the intersection of M-72 and US-31 in Acme. In addition, another section of the new trail will run east toward the Acme Meijer store and Grand Traverse Town Center development. The 1.8 mile Acme Connector will provide critical non-motorized infrastructure for residents and visitors to safely access businesses, existing trails, and recreation opportunities.
“Most of the Acme Township population lives in Holiday Hills, up Bunker Hill and down Deepwater Point. We want to get these folks to the destinations in Acme,” Acme Township Treasurer Amy Jenema noted. She added “we have a job shortage in Acme right now— this is going to be an opportunity for residents to get jobs who were not able to in the past because of transportation barriers.”
Plans for the trail include asphalt and boardwalk trail segments, shared road segments, a culvert, bridge, landscaping, wayfinding signage, and trailside amenities including benches and bike racks. Included in the project budget is a maintenance fund for long-term care. Properly maintained, the trail should last upwards of twenty years.
“As Acme invests in its beautiful shoreline and its community business, cultural, recreational and natural resources, non-motorized infrastructure providing safe access to these remarkable assets is essential. We are thrilled to play a role in contributing to community livability, supporting economic development, and enhancing regional identity through the Acme Connector,” shares TART Trails Executive Director Julie Clark.
