Campaign Story

Why a Capital Campaign?

Between 2018 and 2019, NTN assessed equipment and facility needs across the organization. Identified were a number of pieces of equipment that are nearing the end of their lives and excitement for projects which would expand the NTN’s capacity to build and maintain trails and provide great trail experiences. In late 2019, the NTN board of directors committed to an ambitious capital campaign to significantly increase the organization’s infrastructure, replace critical equipment and live out its mission to the community. A comprehensive list of needs was assembled and prioritized across the Network with a plan to allow projects to move forward as funding was secured. A quiet phase late in 2019 brought funding commitments and pledges totaling $441,213 that successfully supported the financing of the top two priority items including purchase of a new to us Pisten Bully 100 groomer and the Forestville pole building addition for storage and servicing of equipment. With the onset of Covid-19, NTN paused the campaign prior to the public launch.

What Happened in 2020?

As people and businesses settled into a new normal and with the trails seeing unprecedented use, summer of 2020 was time to Launch the Campaign! The public phase of our capital campaign was launched with the first priority being the Heartwood Property Parcel 13 purchase. NTN was able to complete the purchase at the end of 2020 that encompasses 25 acres and includes the existing South Trailhead. This purchase not only secures the trailhead for permanent recreational access but also opens the door to extensive improvements to elevate the user experience including: safer entrance off of CR553, additional parking, multi-line bike skills park, bigger and better pump track, connecting trails, bathrooms, and storage building for equipment and future community building for classes, meetings, and offices. 

And In 2021?

Summer of 2021 we raised $30,000 in 60 days that was matched 1:1 by the Michigan Economic Development Commission’s (MEDC’s) Public Places Community Spaces Initiative for the Carp River Bridge Project. NTN completed the installation of a permanent year-round bridge in November. The bridge crosses the Carp River to access the terrain traversed by the popular Zueg’s Trail. In addition we began construction of the South Trails Bike Park on the North portion of Parcel 13. A few completed sections were opened to the enjoyment of the community in October. 

What’s Next

Looking ahead we are collecting funds pledged and diligently working down the project list. We have new winter grooming sleds on order for the 2022-2023 season and we are actively securing permits for the South Trailhead improvements (increased parking and vault toilets), and further developing the South Trails Bike Park in summer 2022. We look forward to celebrating a successful campaign with our supporters soon!

What Else is on the Capital Campaign Project List?    

Mountain Biking/Singletrack Highlights: 

• South Trailhead – Parcel 13 Purchase (Fully Pledged!): $96,000
• South Trailhead – Equipment Storage Building (Fully Pledged!): $60,000
• South Trailhead – Parking & Signage (Fully Pledged!): $47,000
• South Trailhead – Mountain Bike Skills Park and Connecting Trails (Fully Pledged!): $100,000
• South Trailhead – Pit Toilets (Fully Pledged!) $28,000
• Winter Grooming Equipment (Fully Pledged!): $30,000
• Permanent Carp River Bridge (Fully Pledged!) $60,000

Nordic Skiing Highlights:

• Piston Bully 100 Nordic Ski Groomer (Fully Pledged!): $217,000
• Forestville Trailhead – Storage Building (Fully Pledged!): $146,509
• Tractor for Trail Improvements and Snow Removal(Fully Pledged!): $27,500
• Truck for Plowing Trailheads and Equipment Transport (Fully Pledged!): $15,000

Capacity Building Highlights (Not Fun, But Necessary):

• Campaign Overhead: $79,000

Campaign Goal: $906,009

Raised During Quiet Phase: $441,213