KI SAWYER, Mich. – Construction is officially underway on the Silver Lead Creek Greenway and the revitalization of Little Trout Lake Park in K.I. Sawyer. The projects are designed to improve recreation access and community amenities in the area.
“The greenway is a three-and-a-half-mile trail that will go right through Little Trout Lake Park,” said Sven Gonstead, recreation specialist with the Marquette County Planning Division. “It goes through this gorgeous little valley and connects from the south end of the park all the way up to the historical airplane museum.”
Major renovations to the park will include a new pavilion, pickleball courts, food truck space and other improvements designed to support wellness and economic opportunity.
“There’s a larger vision to really improve the area economically, provide an opportunity for outdoor recreation,” Gonstead said. “The park is going to serve as a wellness hub, which would be opportunities to get outside. There’ll be a new pavilion, some pickleball courts, cornhole. There’s going to be an area for food trucks and things of that nature.”
The initiative is backed by a $997,000 Spark Grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in December 2023. Additional support comes from EGLE’s Environmental Justice Grant and MDOT’s Shared Streets and Spaces program. Construction management is being led by Northern Design Works.
“Ever since Marquette County has taken ownership of the KI Sawyer area, it’s been very important to make improvements that have an impact and rejuvenate that community,” Gonstead said. “It’s been a long struggle, but this has been a great project and we’re really excited about what the impacts will be for the community.”
Little Trout Lake Park is currently closed during active construction. Officials are urging caution near Scorpion Street while work is underway. Trail work along that corridor is expected to be completed by October 15. Full project completion is anticipated by summer 2026.
For more information and project updates, visit www.mqtcoplan.org or call (906) 225-8197.