Crowdfunding Campaign Launches in Coopersville to Complete Portion of North Bank Trail

LANSING, Mich. –  The Rotary Club of Coopersville is leading a campaign to complete 2 miles of the North Bank Trail through the City of Coopersville, which will connect to more than 50 miles of surrounding trails, including the Lakeside Trail and the Idema Explorers Trail. This project will be fulfilled through the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Rotary Club of Coopersville announced today, which is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.

Image Credit: Cari Draft

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $50,000 by Dec. 4, 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/nbt.

“Connective trailway projects like the North Bank Trail in Coopersville provide a multitude of public benefits, including equitable access to recreation, connectivity with neighboring communities, alternative transportation routes, and strengthened communal health,” said Paula Holtz, MEDC Managing Director for Regional Development. “We are proud to provide resources for this effort through our PSCP program.”

Imagine safely walking, biking, running, or rolling from 48th Avenue to 64th Avenue on a beautiful multi-use trail through the City of Coopersville. That’s the dream that is driving the Rotary Club of Coopersville to complete this two-mile connective trailway project. The North Bank Trail will create a safe, accessible corridor for residents of all ages and abilities. 

The trail will improve pedestrian and bicycle safety, connect residents to parks, downtown destinations, and community amenities, promote healthy lifestyles and outdoor recreation, encourage economic development and tourism, and enhance quality of life for current and future generations. This trail will become a lasting community asset, one that families, visitors, students, and seniors can enjoy every day.

“The PSCP grant program marks a very important milestone in the North Bank Trail Project for the Coopersville Community. With this grant funding, it helps us close the gap on the last piece of funding we need for the construction of the trail through the city,” said Kate Terpstra. “As the City of Coopersville's Marketing and Economic Development Administrator and a Member of the Rotary Club of Coopersville, I'm very excited to see this vision become a reality.”

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.

“Connection is the backbone of a strong community,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League. “A connected trail network helps knit a place together by linking neighborhoods, parks, businesses, and other community destinations. These connections deepen social interaction and offer opportunities for people to enjoy the natural world. A fully completed North Bank Trail would be an amazing asset for Coopersville.”

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 September 28, 2026, the MEDC has provided more than $15.8 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 451 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $17.9 million raised from 81,383 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 Threads.