A $50,000 fundraising target has been set to secure a matching grant through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Public Spaces Community Places initiative.
LANSING, Mich. – The Hancock Trails Club (HTC) is developing a new bike park and trailhead at the Hancock Recreation Area, connecting to the Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids trail system. This project will be supported by a crowdfunding campaign announced by MEDC and HTC, hosted on the Michigan-based platform Patronicity.
If the campaign achieves its $50,000 goal by August 6th, the project will receive a matching grant funded by MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP) program. Details and donation options are available at patronicity.com/hancock.
“This new bike park and trailhead will make great public use of a vacant but well-situated parcel,” said MEDC Regional Prosperity Managing Director Paula Holtz. “We are pleased to support and provide resources for this effort through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”
The funding will revitalize the long-vacant “old sledding hill” parcel on M203, known locally as the Grill House Trailhead, referring to the nearby closed North Shore Grill N Pub. Most community members and visitors are unaware of its existence and proximity to the area’s unique creek side trail. Rejuvenating this empty City of Hancock lot will enhance outdoor recreation experiences for both locals and visitors, making better use of an underutilized public space.
The bike park and trailhead will connect to the Maasto Hiihto Trail System, a multi-use, silent sport recreation area featuring the Swedetown Creek Gorge. The Churning Rapids Trails offer a backcountry experience. The collaboration between HTC and the City is crucial for maintaining and grooming 25 kilometers of trails spanning Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids for winter use, ensuring they remain available for various silent sport activities year-round.
“The purpose of this project is to create a new outdoor recreation destination in Hancock by building a welcoming trailhead and mountain bike skill park on a city-owned parcel adjacent to the Hancock Beach and Campground, Maasto Hiihto Churning Rapids trail system, and the Swedetown Creek and Gorge,” said Ian Helman, Hancock Trails Club Board Member. “The Public Spaces Community Places matching grant enables Hancock Trails Club to construct a modern, professionally built skills area that encompasses all ages and confidence levels. The end result will integrate and showcase the existing park amenities of the Hancock Beach and Campground with an expanse of outdoor space available for trail-based recreation and ecotourism, creating a sustainable recreation asset for both locals and visitors to enjoy.”
Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort by MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity, allowing local residents to use crowdfunding to participate in the development of strategic projects in their communities, backed by a matching grant from MEDC. Communities, nonprofits, and other business entities can apply at https://patronicity.com/puremichigan.
“Outdoor recreation is a significant part of Michigan’s culture, and revitalized spaces like this bike park are a great way to create more recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages and varying levels of mountain biking ability,” said Dan Gilmartin, Executive Director and CEO of the Michigan Municipal League. “This is exactly what activating spaces in communities is all about.”
The Public Spaces Community Places initiative began in 2014, with MEDC providing matched funding of up to $50,000 for community improvement projects throughout Michigan. As of July 1, 2025, MEDC has provided over $14.3 million in matching grants. Since the program’s launch, 414 projects have successfully reached their goals, with over $16.3 million raised from 75,885 individual donors. Communities have a 97 percent success rate in achieving their goals and earning matching funds.
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