Portland Hike and Bike Trail Under Development

Area residents will soon have another local option for healthy recreation. PHS teacher Andy Pulling is leading an effort to build a hike and bike trail on city and district owned property at 1100 Ionia Road.

Pulling says, “This is a unique project (Hike and mountain bike trail) as it is a trail system on a school campus. It will complement our already $25,000+ grant funded cycling program (Specialized Foundation via Riding for Focus Program) within Portland Middle and High Schools as well as our amazing river walk trail system. This trail will not be paved and will be used for hiking, running and mountain biking only. The PHS and PMS cross country teams will also use trail sections as there newly designed competitions course.”

Volunteers are needed for community build days scheduled for 8/26 and 9/9, from 9:40 AM to 3:30 PM each day. Pulling says, “Each build day we are partnering with ConfluxCity Brewery for an after party with a discounted menu with proceeds going towards the trail.” The first build day occurred on August 16th, and Pulling described it as a “huge success.”

Pulling estimates the total cost of the project as $5,872, and says “Funding is completely by donation, grant and volunteer work. Grants/donations earned so far are through the City of Portland, Portland Public Schools, Trail Sense, League of Michigan Bicyclists, Michigan Running Foundation, Mid-Michigan Mountain Biking Association and Dan’s Bike Shop. We are looking for others who would to contribute and have their logo showcased on both Trail Kiosks.”

Pulling said, “Maintenance will be done with an annual an ‘Trail maintenance day’ in the spring and also by students each semester who enroll in our Recreational Sports PE Class at PHS.” He added that, “liability (insurance) is maintained through PPS with no adaptations or additional costs.”

Anyone looking for more information can visit the groups Facebook page at https://m.facebook.com/groups/458359777903200 or contact Andy Pulling at apulling@portlandk12.org or (517) 647-2981.