Study with the several resources on Docsity
Earn points by helping other students or get them with a premium plan
Prepare for your exams
Study with the several resources on Docsity
Earn points to download
Earn points by helping other students or get them with a premium plan
This business analysis report explores the economic and business impacts of the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail in Midland and Isabella Counties, Michigan. the history of the railroad corridor, its transformation into a linear-trail, and the resulting linkages between the trail and the economy, business community, and financial support. Topics include investment in infrastructure, expenditures by trail users, new development, and favorable image for businesses.
Typology: Study notes
1 / 26
This page cannot be seen from the preview
Don't miss anything!
Department of Park, Recreation and Tourism Resources By Drs Christine Vogt, Chuck Nelson, and Joel Lynch
The Pere Marquette Rail to Trail History The Pere Marquette railroad corridor began as an industrial asset to transport raw materials and finished goods across the state of Michigan. Today the corridor remains a significant transportation asset providing transit, exercise and recreation experiences to residents and tourists.
Linear-Trails Connect Communities and Business Midland Sanford Coleman North Bradley Downtown North Bradley Downtown Sanford Downtown Coleman Downtown Midland
Linkages between Linear-Trails and the Economy
-! Investment in infrastructure -! Expenditures by trail users -! Sporting equipment and accessories -! Restaurant and convenience goods -! Accommodations for overnight stays -! New development of residential areas along the linear-trail and existing homes retaining or gaining value -! Out-of-county visitors use and participate in special events -! Agricultural industry participates with farmers’ markets and trail users experience farm life and landscape
Linkages between Linear-Trails and Financial Support
-! Project attracts a variety of state and federal funds -! Investments by local and regional foundations to improve quality-of-life -! Local volunteer group or “Friends” organizations assist with fund raising and maintenance efforts
Linear-Trails and the Economy Investment in Infrastructure
-! Financial assistance in the construction of the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail came from many partners including DNR, MDOT, foundations, townships, tribal funds and in-kind services. -! In 1993, Midland County received $4. million to construct the rail-trail. -! In 2001, Isabella County received $1. million to construct the rail-trail extension. -! In 2001, Midland County received an additional $0.2 million to enhance and connect to the rail-trail extension. -! In each construction project, local construction firms were used resulting in more money spent locally. Construction of the Pere Marquette Rail- Trail extension in Isabella County
Linear-Trails and the Economy New Residential Area Development
-! Developers are considering future residential developments adjacent to or linking with the rail-trail -! Midland and Isabella County adjacent residents have maintained or gained home marketability with the rail-trail. -! Senior housing projects are located along the rail-trail providing seniors access and visibility in the community. Younger retirees also stay in a community for recreation amenities like rail-trails. Owner’s perceived value of their property
Linear-Trails and the Economy Trail Tourism
-! In the past few years, hundreds of individuals have requested rail- trail information from the local convention and visitors bureau. Eight out of 10 visited Midland County, and 3 out of 10 used the rail-trail. -! Two of every 10 rail-trail users lives outside the county area. Seven out of 10 nonresident rail- trail users are repeat users. -! Rail-trail users who are tourists spend money in restaurants and retail stores. Many also stay overnight. Eight out of ten visited a restaurant business along the trail. Ashman Court Hotel, Midland Midland Downtown
Linear-Trails & the Business Community Positioning Businesses
-! Businesses have the opportunity to market and align their products and services along the rail- trail theme. Yesterdays Depot Restaurant Pere Marquette Apartments -! Coleman’s new visitor guide features the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail and local businesses side-by- side
Linear-Trails & the Business Community Image & sense of community
-! A community visioning process sponsored by the Midland Foundation and a county recreation needs assessment by Michigan State University, both show residents’ view the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail as a top community asset.
Linear-Trails & the Business Community New Businesses
-! The newly opened Buttonville Inn of North Bradley is adjacent to the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail and markets their hospitality to trail users for unique overnight experiences.
Linear-Trails & the Business Community Employer Amenities
-! Almost all businesses located within a quarter-mile of the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail reported (96%) their employees use the trail. -! Rail-trail usage by employees occurs throughout the day.
Linear-Trails & the Business Community
-! The rail-trail was the primary purpose in visiting Midland County for 75% of the intercepted non-resident rail-trail users. -! Destination marketing brochures feature the rail-trail as a main attraction. -! Hotel advertisements offer trail- related services like bike and inline skate rentals.
Linear-Trails and Financial Support Accesses State Funds and Grants
-! Midland County Parks and Recreation Department was successful bringing in $2.0 million of state and federal grants to build the rail-trail. -! Isabella County Parks and Recreation Department secured $0.7 million.
