An effort to raise funds for a new pedestrian bridge over Hickory Creek in Stevensville has surpassed its goal.
Marcy Hamilton with Friends of Berrien County Trails tells us the “Bridge the Trails” crowdfunding campaign sought to collect $45,000 for the Hickory Creek pedestrian bridge project, and now they’ve reached that amount, unlocking a $45,000 match from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. That means $90,000 is available for the project.
Hamilton says this bridge will connect several recreational attractions in the Stevensville area.
“There is Kerlikowske Park, which is a village owned park, about 10 acres, and the Sarett Nature Center property is another 10 acres, and then Hickory Creek Park is about a three-acre village park where they just built a new pavilion,” Hamilton said. “There’s a playground, dog park, really nice park. And then the Jung Nature Trail, which is the 12 acres. It’s owned by the Lakeshore school district.”
Hamilton says right now, Kerlikowske Park and the Sarett Nature Center property lead walkers toward the creek, but then stop. With the pedestrian bridge, walkers will be able to keep going.
Hamilton says Friends of Berrien County Trails is grateful to every donor, supporter, and community member who shared the campaign. It’s also thanking project Sarett Nature Center and the Village of Stevensville for helping make the vision possible.
Construction on the new pedestrian bridge could start this fall if the grant funds and permits are received in time.
