Crowdfunding Campaign Launched for “The Ottaway Crossing Footbridge” in Traverse City

LANSING, Mich. – The Grand Traverse Conservation District will complete the construction of a 160-foot pedestrian bridge that spans the Boardman-Ottaway River at the location of the former Sabin Dam on Grand Traverse County’s Natural Education Reserve. The footbridge will create a critical connection that will connect over 40 miles of regional trails in Northern Michigan. This project will be fulfilled through the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the nonprofit Friends of the Grand Traverse Conservation District announced today, which is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.  

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $50,000 by July 31, the project will win a matching grant with funds made possible by MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP) program. For project details and to donate, please visit: patronicity.com/crossing. 

“Trail networks are one the most unrestricted and open access forms of recreation and public space,” said MEDC Regional Development Managing Director Paula Holtz. “This footbridge will create connected networks of these trails, and we are pleased to provide resources for this effort through our Public Spaces Community Places program.” 

The Ottaway Crossing Footbridge is an integral part of the ongoing restoration efforts at the Natural Education Reserve, alongside initiatives such as stabilizing riverbanks, planting thousands of native trees and shrubs, and managing invasive species. Together, these efforts will connect 41+ miles of recreation trails and transform the Natural Education Reserve into a stunning destination in the Northern Lower Peninsula. 

“The Friends of the Grand Traverse Conservation District is thrilled to partner with Public Spaces Community Places, a program of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, to help us close the campaign for the Ottaway Crossing Footbridge, the critical link that will connect 40+ miles of regional trails in Northern Michigan,” said Koffi Kpachavi, Executive Director. “But we need your help! If we meet our $50,000 goal, your donation will be doubled by a grant from the MEDC, which will close the $100,000 funding gap needed to complete construction." 

Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League and Patronicity, in which residents can use crowdfunding to be part of the development of strategic projects in their communities and be backed with a matching grant from MEDC. Communities, nonprofits and other business entities can apply at https://patronicity.com/puremichigan. 

“The completion of this footbridge will provide multiple benefits for Grand Traverse County,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League. “Once fully connected, these trails will attract members from within and outside the community, and they will give users an amazing way to form connections with each other and the world around them.” 

The Public Spaces Community Places initiative started in 2014 with MEDC providing matched funding of up to $50,000 for community improvement projects throughout Michigan. As of May 5, 2026, the MEDC has provided more than $14.7 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 428 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $16.8 million raised from 77,110 individual donors. Communities have a 97 percent success rate in achieving their goals and earning matching funds. 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.