West Michigan's trail system is among the best in the nation and it could be getting even better in the years to come.

Ottawa County Parks Foundation's Grand River Greenway Campaign would protect thousands of acres along the Grand River in Ottawa County and use that land to create a multi-use ADA accessible trail. It's a plan that's been in the making for over 20 years.

The campaign seeks to raise $21 million including $7.2 million in philanthropic gifts. Ottawa County Parks Foundation announced they are receiving grants totalling $860,000 from the Wege Foundation and the Frey Foundation.

Ottawa County Parks plans to acquire 700 acres of land and construct 27 miles of new trail to complete the project. 13 miles of that trail would be along or near the river or other water features. The proposed trail would complete the connection from Millennium Park in Kent County to beaches in Grand Haven. Along the way it would also connect to Grand Valley State University, downtown Grand Rapids, and the Bass River State Recreation Area.

The finished project would make an already exceptional trail system even better and solidify West Michigan as home to one of the best trail systems in the country.

There's a long ways to go, but the announcement of nearly $1 million of private funds is great news for the future.

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