MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – With their final semesters ending soon, five NMU Construction Management students are wrapping up their Noquemanon Trail Network trailhead project. Since its introduction in September, months of volunteer work by seniors Maddy Bell, Marcus Chidester, Jack McIntire, Dan Wagner, and Moses Waite, have paid off.
“We wanted to make sure we delivered the best product we possibly could for them,” said Maddy Bell. “That’s been huge for us, creating almost a legacy for them here in the township. Just making another space for people to gather and enjoy what they love.”
This 900-square-foot pavilion project began in the fall of 2024, when the group was offered this proposal by the NTN. With the general design, students worked with Barry J. Polzin Architects to meet the requirements and needs of the Trail Network.
They then formed an estimate, before coordinating purchases and gathering the proper materials needed for the build. Construction began soon after, and from start to finish, these five wildcats have steered it in the right direction.
“Myself and four other students took this opportunity on, to go through the whole process and try to get a structure built,” said Moses Waite. “Going from a site that was fully wooded and with no access to it at the start of last year.”
This build has been the largest project taken by the construction management program at Northern. Students received help from local unions and iron workers to assist with laying concrete and framework, and with Closner Construction to provide equipment. The group says the support from the area has been immense, and can not go unnoticed.
“The best part about this project in my experience has been just how many people were willing to step in and help,” said Waite. “Even though this has been a volunteer effort on our own part as students.”
“There were so many people that stepped in and were willing to help us through this whole thing,” said Bell. “We would not be anywhere near where we are now if we didn’t have the support of those people.”
The pavilion is located just off of West Grove street in Marquette, and once a parking lot and surrounding trails are completed, the facility will be open to the public.
To view NTN Trails post, visit their Facebook.
