The Story of the Gazebo

This gazebo was built to recognize the people and organizations that made the bridge over the busy West River Road a reality.

When the MDNR asked for help in funding the bridge the “Friends” went to work to raise the 25% local match that was required to obtain federal funding.

We started by asking our membership for their financial help and their connections to possible funders that might be of assistance.  We had an overwhelming response to the need.  This apparently was a project that everyone could see was very important.

An excellent example of the support we have:  Some of our members were out working on the trail when they were thanked for their work and asked about the future plans for the trail by a couple out enjoying the day on the trail.  When the couple was told of our fund raising to help the DNR construct a bridge, our volunteers were handed a business card and told to call the next Monday as they wanted to help!  We made the call and the person said “Oh yes, to whom do I make out the $5,000 check as we want to help”!  This is great example of how fortunate we are to have so many fantastic people in the area!

We approached the Grand Rapids Community Foundation and the Steelcase foundation for assistance, both gave $50,000!

Before we knew it we were well over our target with a nice amount left over after the local match was paid.  We decided to honor the donors in a “Recognition Gazebo”.

It took a while to get a site approved, and then order and build the structure.  It is now a great asset to all trail users!