The Keweenaw Health Foundation announced Monday it has awarded a $25,000 grant to Calumet Township to support the Swedetown Trails Club’s universal accessibility project that will reconfigure the Swedetown Chalet.
The initiative has been planned over four years, and the club recently entered the fundraising phase of the project. In July, the Swedetown Trails Club began a fundraising campaign with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation that includes a matching portion if the club reaches a $50,000 goal.
“So we have $100,000 that we’ve raised through that,” shared Dean Woodbeck. “We’ve had 108 donors and we’ve had actually 16 of those gifts are a thousand dollars or more. So we’re pretty pleased with the generosity of people in the area.”
The Universal Accessibility Project has gained support from several organizations and many more individuals. Woodbeck shared the Michigan DNR has supported the project with 400,000 dollars. Local groups that has provided support for the project includes the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation, Keweenaw Community Foundation, and Visit Keweenaw.
“The club is incredibly grateful to the Keweenaw Health Foundation for recognizing the importance of accessibility and inclusion in outdoor recreation,” said Dean Woodbeck, project co-coordinator. “The grant helps move the project one step closer to creating a recreation area where everyone can participate, connect and enjoy the outdoors together.”
The Swedetown Trails Club operates year-round, offering mountain biking and hiking trails in summer that convert to cross-country ski and snowshoe trails in winter. In recent years, Swedetown Trails has introduced fat tire biking to its winter recreation opportunities.
“And that (initiative) combined with the two mile loop accessible trail last summer. And that all ties in with this project as well,” explained Woodbeck. “So I think that’s why all of these different organizations have supported this because at first it fits in with what their goals are. And, you know, it’s been a nice complimentary fit to what, the Sweet Town Trails Club and Calumet Township’s goals are.”
Swedetown Trails has selected a contractor for the work. Woodbeck says work should start in mid-August and wrap up by April. That means the chalet will not be available during the popular cross country skiing season. Swedetown Trails has planned for how the system will continue to serve visitors and members over the winter season.
“We have actually just this week we have rented a 10 by 40 trailer. A kind of mobile office trailer from Midway Rentals and Marquette,” said Woodbeck. “And that will be on site starting in November and that will serve as our temporary uh chalet, if you will, for the winter.”
With 23 days remaining until the Michigan Economic Development Corporation campaign ends, the Swedetown Trails Club has surpassed its $50,000 goal, raising more than $51,000 total for the project.
Those interested in supporting the Swedetown Trails accessibility project campaign with MEDC can find details online.
