Crowdfunding Campaign Launched for the "Lakeshore Trail" in Benton Harbor

LANSING, Mich. – A new universally accessible pathway called the Lakeshore Trail is being developed along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Benton Harbor. This multi-use paved trail will extend two miles and connect to existing trail infrastructure in the area. This effort will be fulfilled through the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Friends of Berrien County Trails announced today, which is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $75,000 by April 30th, the project will win a matching grant with funds made possible by MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places program (PSCP). This project is eligible for an additional $25,000 in matching funds from the MEDC through PSCP’s Universal Design and Accessibility Funding Extension. For project details and to donate, please visit: patronicity.com/laketrail.

“The Lakeshore Trail project will create further connectivity amongst the developing regional trail network in Southwest Michigan,” said MEDC Regional Prosperity Managing Director Paula Holtz. “We are pleased to support and provide resources for this project through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”

The broader Berrien County Trails Master Plan is focused on providing safe and accessible non-motorized mobility paths that connect the main corridors of Berrien County for residents and visitors to enjoy. The Lakeshore Trail is an important element as it represents the first portion of the corridor heading north from Benton Harbor/St. Joseph to Van Buren County.

Funding from this campaign will allow the Friends of Berrien County Trails to complete two miles of universally accessible pathway with trail signage, accessible surfacing, crosswalks, benches, boardwalks, and habitat restoration work. Once completed, Lakeshore Trail will provide a safe and accessible path for all community members and visitors to enjoy for generations to come.

"We are in the final stage of fundraising for the Lakeshore Trail and are thrilled to be working with the Public Spaces Community Places program,” said Beat Stocker, Board Member of the Friends of Berrien County Trails. “With generous support from community members and the potential $75,000 match from the MEDC, we have the opportunity to bring the full vision of this multi-use trail to life. The Lakeshore Trail, and the amenities and natural spaces to enjoy along it, were designed for community members, and we are incredibly grateful for the support of this amazing community.”

Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League and Patronicity, in which local 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.

“Completion of the Lakeshore Trail project will provide multiple benefits to Berrien County,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League. “This trail will attract visitors from within and outside the community, giving people a safe and accessible way to experience the outdoors and connect with the world around them.” 

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 February 26, 2025, MEDC has provided more than $13.6 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 402 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $15.5 million raised from 73,965 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.