Dreams Do Come True – The Story of the Boardman Lake Loop Trail

There were few people more persistent, passionate or joyful than Ted Okerstrom about promoting outdoor recreation in Traverse City. Through his love of skiing (VASA ski race co-founder, est. 1977) and his career as the General Manager of the Park Place Hotel, Ted saw how recreation could shape a community’s identity, encourage appreciation of the natural world, and bolster the economy. In Boardman Lake, Ted saw beyond the industrial landscape that surrounded the lake for decades and dreamed of what could be. He had a vision of a year-round trail around the lake and along the Boardman/Ottaway River. In time he found many others who shared this vision and together they began a half-century-long effort to reshape the future of Boardman Lake, eventually becoming the crown jewel of the TART Trails network. We celebrate Ted’s joy, passion, and tenacity that helped ignite a vision for this beautiful trail to be enjoyed by the community, for generations to come.

My dad, Ted Okerstrom, would be thrilled with the result but he didn’t want just the Boardman Lake Loop. It was part of a bigger plan. This trail would connect into additional trail systems and communities for recreation and sport.”

—Eric Okerstrom

Completing the Loop last summer was an accomplishment shared by the community and celebrated across the state thanks to Ted and equally dedicated partners, generous donors and tireless volunteers like you. Within two months of opening, the Loop saw more than 60,000 visitors with no signs of slowing down. We’ve heard countless testimonials and tales of truly transformative experiences for those who could now add to their health or recreation routine, access nature in ways they couldn’t before, and safely smart commute from south of town to downtown and beyond. Today, the Boardman Lake Loop shines as the centerpiece of the regional trail network. The 4-mile Loop in and of itself offers abundant opportunities for connection—to local businesses, restaurants, breweries, parks, neighborhoods and more. While we’re still celebrating this milestone, we’re working hard to support more opportunities for connections for tomorrow and 10 years from today. We are actively working with partners on better ways to make in-town connections to the TART and safer access from nearby neighborhoods including Barlow and LaFranier and farther out to Blair, Kingsley, Interlochen and beyond.

Our family regularly uses the Loop for running, walking and cycling in all seasons. It provides a safe route for our ten-year old son to ride his bike to Kids College classes at the University Center, and he achieved his goal of running the entire Loop this past fall at the Blue Ribbon run. It’s a long path from trail vision to reality, and the community will continue to benefit greatly from the time and financial investments put forth by TART Trails, partner organizations, volunteers, and donors.”

—Jason & Arianne Whittaker

1966

Ted Okerstrom begins envisioning Boardman Lake Loop and Boardman/Ottaway River Trail

2001

First leg of Boardman Lake Loop Trail (1,200’) built in Hull Park

2005

2 miles of trail constructed between Medalie and Hull Parks

2009

Trail completed between Hull Park and Oryana, including new bridge over the Boardman/ Ottaway River

2015

~1 mile trail constructed between Oryana and 14th Street

2021

16th St to NMC’s University Center

2022

University Center to Medalie Park - Completion of the Loop!

2023

Setting our sights on more connections to the north, south, east, and west