Construction is underway on a new community trailhead on Marquette's east side after the 906 Adventure Team held a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 955 N. Lakeshore Blvd.
Gluski Park, named after Tara Gluski, will sit behind the nonprofit's headquarters and include trails, a pump track and a parking lot in its first phase. Contractor Rock Solid began site prep in July, and the groundbreaking confirmed construction has started, according to the organization's June 2026 newsletter and WBUP/WJMN's coverage.
"This space is built for everyone," Elizabeth Peterson, the group's Champion for Adventure, said at the groundbreaking.
Peterson said the park will be connected, visible and accessible, a place where families can spend time together and kids can build confidence through outdoor adventure.
The Lake Superior Community Partnership assisted with the ceremony, according to the Mining Journal. Northern Initiatives funded the ribbon cutting.
How it's funded
The public fundraising campaign launched May 15 with a kickoff event that drew more than 200 people to the site. That day, the Daniel J. Kobasic Foundation awarded 906 Adventure Team $800,000 and offered a $155,000 matching grant. The Great Lakes Sports Commission provided a separate $150,000 grant.
As of June 2026, the organization had raised $1.4 million toward a $2.1 million goal.
The nonprofit has operated for 12 years, running youth programming in 16 communities and serving more than 1,300 kids annually with over 600 adult volunteers. It was named 2023 ChangeMaker of the Year by the League of Michigan Bicyclists.
Sawyer Stelwagen, a former 906 Adventure Team youth participant who became a coach, spoke at the May 15 kickoff, as reported in the organization's June newsletter. "This park provides more than just a place for these kids to hone their skills on the trails but rather provides a place where they can hone their character and mind without feeling like they are being judged by those around them," Stelwagen said.
What comes next
A second phase beginning in spring 2027 will add a community pavilion, park kiosk, storage shed, landscaping and a donor wall. Full completion is expected in fall 2027.
Shovels are in the ground.
The 906 Adventure Team plans a community celebration in September 2027 to mark the park's opening. Residents interested in supporting the project can contact Peterson at [email protected].
