SAUGATUCK TWP. (WHTC-AM/FM) — Friends of The Blue Star Trail will celebrate the grand opening of the recently completed section of the Blue Star Trail in Saugatuck Township, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 20.
“After a long, dreary winter it will be time for some fresh air and fun,” said event chairwoman Ann Horner, in a statement emailed to media. “The celebration is open to everyone. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for an afternoon of spring therapy.”
The celebration will kick off at the south trail-head – on the corner of Old Allegan Road and Blue Star Highway. Parking will be at the Saugatuck Reformed Christian Church.
The new trail section runs parallel to Blue Star Highway from Old Allegan Road north past the fire station to North Street.
A brief opening ceremony will include a special tribute from the State of Michigan and a ribbon cutting by Jeanne Van Zoeren, a leader in the trail’s development. Then, it’s off to walk, ride, or run north to the fire station for an open house.
Participants may also follow the proposed route from the fire station to the existing trail on the west side of Blue Star Highway, which connects with the Beeline Trail to Holland.
The celebration will also be the final event of the Saugatuck/Douglas PTO’s “Screens Free Week” an event that encourages students and families to take a break from their personal devices and screens. People of all ages can walk or bike the new trail section as part of the opening festivities.
Among the prizes are six bicycles for kids and adults, a limited number of water bottles and cow-bells.
Free popcorn, cotton candy, and Palazzolo’s Gelato will be served along with as well as barbeque and other food for purchase.
The South Haven High School Jazz Band is set to perform and the fire station will be open with its equipment on display.
Completing this section of the non-motorized Blue Star Trail is a major accomplishment for the Friends of The Blue Star Trail, an all-volunteer group working with local communities to promote and fund the trail.
The next phase of the Blue Star Trail is to extend north to the existing trail that run along Holland Street and then Blue Star Highway where it connects at 64 th Street with the Beeline Trail to Holland. The trail will also be extended south to Maple Street. The Friends in partnership with Saugatuck Township hope to begin construction on these new sections as early as Fall 2019.
Friends of the Blue Star Trail is comprised of local residents who volunteer their time promote and fund the scenic Blue Star Trial – a 20 mile non-motorized recreational trail stretching from Saugatuck to South Haven – while improving their safety, wellness, economic health and environment.
