Marquette trail network pavilion

The Noquemanon Trail Network wants to start construction this spring on its planned pavilion for the cross-country ski and bike trails south of Marquette.

The pavilion will be at the trailhead on M-553, just north of Marquette Mountain. The NTN will pay for construction and maintenance of the pavilion on city-owned property. The group would like the structure to open shortly after Memorial Day.

“I’m not sure if it will be in time with the Trails Festival that we’re planning,” NTN executive board member Wendy Frye said. “June 6th, 7th and 8th is our inaugural Trails Festival, so hopefully it’ll be erected by then, but I’n not totally sure.”

The pavilion will be able to accommodate picnic tables. It should have restrooms and a private changing area. Dan Perkins Construction of Ishpeming has pledged to support it.

“Dan Perkins was very generous, and he’s donated a metal roof, along with the labor to install it, so that’s huge in contributing to the building,” Frye said. “And I think it’s around 27 (feet) by 40 (feet).”

The NTN expects the pavilion to cost about $50,000, and the group says it has already raised about $30,000 of that cost.