Junction of Dreams: Thompsonville’s Revitalization

Photo credit: Thompsonville Area Revitilazation Project

 

Image description: A conceptual rendering of the planned Thompsonville trailhead and visitor center shows a vibrant park setting. A red train caboose sits on the left with benches and signage nearby. In the center, a red-roofed pavilion with picnic tables provides a gathering space. People are walking, sitting, and biking along paved paths surrounded by green lawns and tall trees, illustrating the community-focused vision supported by the Community Funds grant.

 

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What began in late 2020 as an effort to transform a 1900s railroad depot into a functional trail head has morphed into a plan to build a brand new visitor’s center in Thompsonville.  

With a $15,000 grant from our Community Funds, Thompsonville Area Revitalization Project (TARP) is in the midst of creating a multi-use trail head at the historic Thompsonville Junction and improving the adjacent campground facilities for people to use and enjoy from across Benzie County and beyond.  

“The vision, mission, and goals of TARP are to provide a historically compelling destination with which to attract (1) bicyclists on the Betsie Valley Trail from Elberta, Frankfort, and Beulah, (2) historically motivated tourists from around the state, and (3) student groups from area schools,” said Chuck Kraus, TARP President. “This project encourages the revitalization of the village of Thompsonville.” 

According to Chuck, in addition to several other grants, the Community Funds grant has enabled TARP to cover the projected cost of completing the engineering component of the trail head project, with the design and construction phases to follow. 

“So much of what is done to improve small communities relies on the work of community organizations and nonprofits,” added Chuck. “Without the support of responsive and flexible funding, projects such as those envisioned for Thompsonville would not be possible.” 

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Writer: Alex Dailey