The City of Grayling has been awarded $713,000 in state grant funding to support the development of new outdoor recreation facilities and trail networks. This funding comes from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Spark Grant Program, which aims to boost public health, introduce new experiences, build on existing infrastructure, and improve access to recreation. The grant is part of a total of $25 million available in this round of funding.

The awarded projects, collectively known as the Rayburn Community Connector Project, will include the construction of new outdoor pickleball courts at the Crawford County Commission on Aging (COA), the development of a single-track trail for mountain biking and a pavilion at the Grayling School Forest, and the design of new trail connections. These trails will link the City of Grayling, COA, Rayburn Tract, and Grayling School Forest to the existing Grayling Bicycle Turnpike trailhead and the Iron Belle Trail.

Project partners include the City of Grayling, Crawford AuSable School District, Crawford County Commission on Aging, and the Crawford County Pathways Committee. Technical assistance is provided by Huron Pines, the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan, and the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF).

Community foundations were a catalytic component of this program, working alongside local leaders to develop and execute strategies that advance equitable outcomes by way of elevating community voices, providing or connecting opportunity communities with technical assistance opportunities, making considerations of local capacities, and providing a statewide network of partners to problem-solve collectively. The North Central Michigan Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan (CFNEM) and serves Crawford, Ogemaw, and Oscoda Counties.

Patrick Heraghty, Executive Director of CFNEM, expressed his enthusiasm for the project.

“As the Regional Collaborative Lead in Northeast Michigan for the DNR Spark Grant Program, we were able to build relationships with City of Grayling leaders and residents, provide important support for community input, and ensure that Spark Grant Staff heard the needs and challenges of Grayling,” Heraghty said. “We are so excited that the City of Grayling received full funding for these fantastic projects.”

Huron Pines played a crucial role in the success of this project by supporting community engagement implementation, project scoping, and providing grant writing technical assistance to ensure that the City of Grayling was able to pull together a comprehensive proposal and meet all requirements. Abigail Ertel, Community Program Director for Huron Pines, led a series of public outings to gather input that helped shape the proposal to align with community priorities.

“As a resident of Grayling, I’m excited about this grant award,” Ertel said. “This means big things for our community. We have the potential to be a real trail town, and we’re going to get there by addressing gaps in accessible infrastructure and adding new outdoor recreation spaces for residents across all generations.”

Grayling City Manager Erich Podjaske said projects supported by the grant will bring new recreation opportunities to the city’s residents and visitors.

“We’ve always been known for our amazing water resources,” Podjaske said. “With this award, we will be able to provide all residents and visitors with more accessible outdoor recreation experiences on land as well.”

The CMF/DNR Spark Grant program was established to equitably guide resources to communities and expand access to healthy indoor and outdoor recreation projects for many of Michigan’s historically under-resourced and underrepresented communities. Ensuring that community voice was a key element of the program.

“We are grateful for the efforts of the City of Grayling and the leadership of CFNEM in centering resident voices in this project that will create healthy recreational opportunities for all to enjoy for years to come,” said Kyle Caldwell, CMF President and CEO.

“It’s an honor for the DNR to help dozens of Michigan communities achieve their vision of healthier, more active lifestyles for residents and visitors, especially through a new grantmaking model that ensures a more direct pathway to places where critical dollars are most needed,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen.

Construction activity is expected to begin this year with trail building at the Grayling School Forest. Feasibility and design for connector trails will take place later this year, with the construction of the pickleball courts at the Commission on Aging planned for 2025.

CFNEM is proud to have supported the City of Grayling in this transformative project, which is set to enhance the quality of life for residents and attract more visitors to the area.

For more information, please contact Patrick Heraghty, Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan at info@cfnem.org.

The Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all residents in its service area by building permanent endowment funds, making effective grants, and providing leadership to address community needs.

Huron Pines is a nonprofit conservation organization established in 1973 to conserve and enhance Northern Michigan’s natural resources to ensure healthy water, protected places and vibrant communities. With offices in Gaylord and Alpena, Huron Pines improves economic, environmental, educational and recreational opportunities throughout Northern Michigan. To learn more, visit huronpines.org.

The Council of Michigan Foundations is a community of philanthropists committed to improving outcomes for Michigan, with a focus on fostering collaborative initiatives that drive systemic change.

Photo caption (photo courtesy of Huron Pines)

Huron Pines AmeriCorps member and local community volunteer (Bob Smith of Northbound Outfitters), working to build sections of single-track trail on the Grayling School Forest - an element that with the Spark funding will be continued and expanded with the additional of ADA accessible pathway and an outdoor shelter.