The Newaygo County Board of Commissioners appropriated $1.05 million of American Rescue Plan Act dollars to fund the completion of Michigan’s Dragon at Hardy Dam Project (Dragon Trail) to meet the increasing demand for recreation and tourism in the region.

Newaygo County, like other municipalities, received American Rescue Plan Act funds from the
Federal Government in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Outdoor recreation has
increased during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Completing the Dragon Trail will help
satisfy that new demand for Newaygo County residents and thousands of visitors that recreate
in the region.

Once complete, the Dragon Trail will comprise 11 segments forming a 40+ mile loop around
Hardy Pond, traversing through both Mecosta and Newaygo counties. Of the 22 miles already
open to the public, 12+ miles are in Newaygo County, and 8+ or more miles of trail are already
open in Mecosta County. Trail builders with Spectrum Trail Design LLC are in the process of
building 14 more miles of trail. Later this Fall, a 7.6-mile connection between Newaygo State
Park and Brower County Park will open to the public. Project officials hope to have all
construction completed in 2023.

These newly allocated ARPA funds will pay for the completion of new construction in Newaygo
County and two more phases in 2023. Most notable will be a fully ADA-Accessible mile of trail
starting at Big Prairie Township’s Operators Park on the East side of Hardy Dam. “It is
important that people of all abilities can experience Michigan’s Dragon at Hardy Dam. This mile
of accessible trail will allow wheelchair accessibility, and the trailhead will include handicapped
parking so everyone can explore the Dragon Trail,” said Nick Smith, Newaygo County Parks
Director. 

With a recent Mecosta County Board of Commissioners allocation earlier in the year, the two
Counties have ensured that the remaining construction phases are fully funded. The first half of
construction was funded by many generous donors and community partners through fundraising
and grants. Most recently, funds were received from the DNR Trust Fund Grant Program and utilized to fund two construction phases. Newaygo and Mecosta County have been working
together on this project along with the West Michigan Mountain Biking Alliance for over ten
years.

Restaurants, campgrounds, and other businesses are already experiencing the economic
benefit of the Dragon Trail. Surrounding locations are reporting new visitors to the area due to
the trail and increased sales. In addition, property sales are up surrounding the Dragon Trail,
and new businesses are opening to meet the demand of these new visitors.

At the start of this project, Michigan State University completed an economic impact study that
estimated a $4+ million annual economic impact to the region due to the addition of the Dragon
Trail. “This project is critical to meet our region's increasing recreational and tourism demand.
The economic impact we are already seeing from this project made it a priority for Newaygo
County to complete the Dragon Trail,” explained County Administrator Chris Wren.

Follow official Michigan’s Dragon at Hardy Dam Facebook Page for updates on construction
progresses and new trail sections as they open, or visit www.thedragon.us.