KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Tuesday, the leaders of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail system announced Campaign Connect, a $1 million fundraising effort to complete the final segment of the 30-mile trail.
For the past ten years, the Parks Foundation of Kalamazoo, a local non-profit, and local volunteers have been working on securing easements and funding for the KRV Trail, which connects to the Kal-Haven Trail to the west and to the Battle Creek Linear Park near Fort Custer to the east.
Today, 25.5 miles of the KRV Trail are complete and this final 4.5 miles, from Galesburg to Fort Custer, will complete the original vision of 30 miles of trail that connects over 140 miles in the region.
This segment is also part of the larger Lake to Lake state trail system that will stretch from South Haven to Port Huron.
Operated as a Kalamazoo County Park, the KRV Trail is free to use and offers something for everyone. Last year, officials say over 300,000 local residents and visitors used the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail, a 50% increase since 2012.
Launched earlier last winter, Campaign Connect has raised more than $580,000 over the past several months, nearly 60% of the overall campaign goal.
100 community donors, local businesses, and area foundations have supported the campaign to date. Funds raised for the final segment of the KRV Trail may be augmented with grant funding from the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
The fundraising effort will allow for an extended trail that will connect Kalamazoo to Battle Creek while providing free recreational opportunities and health and wellness benefits for individuals and families in the area.
“We are all living through a tumultuous and unpredictable time that adds stress on our families, organizations and communities,” campaign co-chair and owner of Gazelle Sports Chris Lampen-Crowell said in a statement. “As we work to provide trail connections throughout our region, I am pleased to be part of an effort that encourages health, and invites more citizens outside so they can explore our beautiful state. We know that park and trail use are at an all-time high as people seek safe, inexpensive activities during this pandemic.”
Lampen-Crowell adds that the campaign has received broad support from local and regional foundations, area businesses, and generous community donors.
“We have been so fortunate to receive gifts to this important campaign,” Lampen-Crowell said. “Our Campaign Cabinet joins me in thanking the community for their meaningful gifts. We now invite the larger community to help us complete this campaign effort. We welcome gifts of all sizes.”
Today’s announcement marks the beginning of the public phase of the $1 million campaign. Gifts can be made through www.parksfoundationkalamazoo.com/CapitalCampaign.html.
