Grant recipient works with youth to get them off their “devices” & out into the great outdoors on bikes
Marquette, MI — The Great Lakes Sports Commission (GLSC) will provide $150,000 toward the construction of 906AT’s Bike and Adventure Park in Marquette County. The park will be developed and operated on two-acre green space located outside 906AT’s new headquarters , referred to as its BASECAMP, which is adjacent to Marquette’s east side bike path. 906AT, a nonprofit aimed to empower people to discover the best version of themselves through outdoor adventure, offers outdoor adventure youth programs and opportunities for adults ranging for world champion, elite, to weekend warrior.
An invitation only check presentation will be Wednesday, July 19 at 4:30-6:00 pm EST at Barrel & Beam Brewery, located at 260 Northwoods Road in Marquette.
“We appreciate the funding and partnership from the Great Lakes Sports Commission to help us move our Bike and Adventure Park forward,” said Todd Poquette, 906AT Director of Adventure. “This park will help us fulfill our mission of providing a stronger future for our youth and become a national learning and development center for human empowerment and resilience.”
“Our partnership and support of the 906 Adventure Team is a testament to our shared vision of harnessing the transformative power of sports and adventure to make a positive impact,” said Eric Marvin, executive director of the Great Lakes Sports Commission. “Together, we are not only enhancing the physical well-being of individuals but also creating lasting development that strengthens the fabric of our region.”
In the past ten years, 906AT has created three nationally recognized endurance events. The organization took a youth program from one coach and five kids into a nationally recognized youth resilience development program serving ten communities in three states and reaching more than 800+ kids. In Michigan, there are programs in Gogebic, Iron, Marquette, Delta and Midland counties, along with Lansing. In Wisconsin there are programs in Eau Claire, LaCrosse and Brown counties. Lastly, a program has started in Chardon, Ohio.
During 2023, the GLSC has provided $300,000 funding to the following:
- Petoskey Winter Sports Park to become a year-round destination;
- Sault Ste. Marie Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) for the I-500 renovation project.
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