Swedetown construction underway
Chalet addition to be completed by June 1
Trending
CALUMET TOWNSHIP - Construction on the addition of the chalet at Swedetown Trails has begun, according to Calumet Township Supervisor Tim Gasperich.
Planned improvements include expanding and renovating the chalet, paving accessible parking and sidewalks, and enhancing connections to the universally accessible trail that was completed in 2025.
The project builds upon previous accessibility improvements and will help ensure that the recreation area remains welcoming and inclusive for residents and visitors alike.
The expansion will push the building's footprint about 20 feet into the current parking lot area,
"The immediate goal now," said Gasperich, "is to get the walls up, get enclosed and work on the interior construction through the winter."
Gasperich said he estimated a completion date of June 1, 2027. "Hopefully earlier, but we'll see how it goes," he said.
Gasperich said the goal of the three-year project is to increase the recreation area’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The overall project includes creating ADA compliant spaces in the chalet parking lot, creating an ADA accessible trail, building an addition to the chalet that will bring it into ADA compliance.
The universal access trail (Two Hoots) was completed in the fall of 2025, according to the trails club, and also serves as a beginner mountain bike trail. The trail is at least 36″ wide with periodic passing zones, and grades of no more than 4 percent.
The initial project dates back to 2023, according to the Swedetown Trails Club, when a site survey was conducted, the chalet concept design was developed, along with the parking lot design.
On August 28, Copper Shores announced it had awarded $500,000 in recreation grant funding
Craig Hughes, vice president of the Swedetown Trails Club, said while the chalet is closed through the winter due to construction, a temporary structure will be placed on site. "We're going to bring a temporary building just to allow skiers, snowshoers and sledders a place to warm up," he said, "so, we'll still have a place inside, selling chocolate and candy and all that good stuff."