The mission of the CCTA is to support Calhoun County’s efforts to construct an off-road recreational trail connecting the communities in our own county and linking with trail systems in Kalamazoo County and Jackson County, as well as to provide technical assistance and networking to assist local municipalities with developing their own trail systems.
In 2002, a Calhoun County parks and recreation survey was conducted of 400 county residents with approximately 40 questions pertaining to use, quality of facilities, funding, and need. This survey indicated that the strongest support for park expansion and new initiatives was the acquisition of land for trails and bike paths and historical preservation of landscapes.
Calhoun County subsequently formed a partnership with the Chief Noonday Chapter of the North Country Scenic Trail Association to explore developing a trailway throughout Calhoun County. With funding from the National Park Service and the Michigan Department of Transportation, a public meeting was held in 2003 to announce their intent and gather support of area leaders. Facilitated by the Calhoun County Parks Department, a committee was formed consisting of interested community organizations and citizens to assist in the development of this trailway plan.
In 2006, a master plan for the Calhoun County Trailway was formally approved by the Calhoun County Commission. Development of the plan was funded by a grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation. The Calhoun County Trailway Alliance (CCTA) was formally incorporated in 2008 to help make the planned trail a reality.
The Calhoun County Trailway Alliance is an all-volunteer, “Friends of the Trail” organization dedicated to making the vision of a recreational trailway across Calhoun County a reality. The CCTA works in close partnership with Calhoun County on trail planning, construction, and maintenance and is fiscally sponsored by the Battle Creek Community Foundation.
Since its inception, the CCTA has helped Calhoun County and local communities secure over $6 million for trail construction, enhancement, and maintenance. In addition to generous contributions from Calhoun County residents, major construction funders include the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, MDOT TAP Program, Michigan Trails Fund, Kalamazoo River Community Recreational Foundation, and Enbridge Donation Program.
The CCTA has also received grants and sponsorships from Ford BlueOval, Oaklawn Hospital, Marshall Community Credit Union, Battle Creek Community Foundation, Albion Community Foundation, Binda Foundation, Bronson Battle Creek Hospital Community Partners, Calhoun County Visitors Bureau, Calhoun County Senior Millage, Homer Community Foundation, Marshall Community Foundation, and SEMCO Energy.
The CCTA is fiscally sponsored by the Battle Creek Community Foundation. Donations to the CCTA Project Fund are used for trail planning, construction, and enhancements. Donations to the CCTA Endowment Fund allow us to use the interest to maintain the Calhoun County Trailway in perpetuity.
Bill Greer, President (Kalamazoo)
Mary Arbogast, Vice President (Battle Creek)
Kristy Orns, Treasurer (Richland)
Mark Lelle, Secretary (Albion)
Lucy Hough, Calhoun County Parks (Marshall)
Dominic Oo, County Commissioner (Battle Creek)
Gregg Strand (Marshall)
Jim Coury (Marshall)
Shari Deevers (Tekonsha)
David Gilbert (Battle Creek)
Art Kale (Homer)
Kyle Lewis (Battle Creek)
Angela Myers (Battle Creek)
Danielle Myrkle (Battle Creek)
Ryan Reincke (Marshall)
Bob Sharkey (Battle Creek)
Mark Stuart (Marshall)
Austin Wines (Marshall)