Crowdfunding Campaign Launches in Traverse City for Commons Bike Park

LANSING, Mich. –  The local nonprofit Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association (NMMBA) has partnered with Garfield Township to create and showcase  modern, sustainable mountain bike trail design right in the heart of Traverse City at the Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area. This project will be fulfilled through the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and NMMBA announced today, which is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.  

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $27,000 by October 13, 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/commons.

“Creating public recreation opportunities that are free and sustainably developed is just what our Public Spaces Community Places program was meant for,” said Paula Holtz, MEDC Managing Director for Regional Development. “We are proud to provide resources for this Commons Bike Park effort through our PSCP program."

Funding from this campaign will allow NMMBA to create and complete this initial demonstration trail at the Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area. The purpose-built singletrack segment will be designed by trail experts to set the gold standard for future park and trail development.  NMMBA will do this by recreating a classic historical trail, “The Secret Stash,” into a modern sustainable flow trail.

“Receiving the MEDC Public Spaces Community Places matching grant demonstrates what’s possible when state support, municipal partnership and grassroots community passion align,” said Tim Pulliam, NMMBA City Trails Coordinator. “Matching our local donations dollar-for-dollar will give us the resources needed to deliver a world-class, professionally built demonstration trail that protects the forest floor while welcoming riders of all skill levels. We thank the MEDC for doubling our impact and elevating public space stewardship in Northern Michigan.”

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.

“Outdoor recreation is a huge part of Michigan’s culture, and free, inclusive outdoor spaces like the Commons Bike Park are great ways for people to get outside, get exercise and develop their mountain bike abilities,” said Dan Gilmartin, Executive Director and CEO of the Michigan Municipal League. “Once seen through to its conclusion, these trails will improve the human experience for everyone who takes advantage of them. This is what placemaking is truly all about.”

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 August 12, 2026, the MEDC has provided more than $15.7 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 449 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $17.9 million raised from 81,183 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.