The Beautify Pullman Board of Directors announced that on July 30, 2026, the Michigan Department of Transportation committed $823,363 in Safe Routes to School funding for the construction of new sidewalks and multi-use trails in our community. Construction is currently expected in 2028.
Beautify Pullman Treasurer Pat Conway shared:
“Beautify Pullman has been deeply involved in this effort from the beginning. We helped identify the need, led extensive community engagement, coordinated with project partners, and wrote the Safe Routes to School grant application that resulted in this $823,363 construction award.
“For a rural, unincorporated community without sidewalks or trails, this is a transformational investment. The project will provide children with a safer route to Pullman Elementary School, improve access for residents who walk or bike, and create stronger connections throughout the community.”
Along the path to obtaining this funding, the Beautify Pullman team spent hours working with Abonmarche to map possible routes around the community that would not only bring children to school safely, but also help residents without vehicles access stores and the health clinic.
In addition, there were presentations to the Lee Township Board and the Allegan County Road Commissioners to get them on board. Because the sidewalks will need to be built along 109th Avenue and 56th Street, they will also need to be maintained by the Township. These partnerships were vital in obtaining approval for the funding.
“It is also a powerful example of what Beautify Pullman means when we talk about Building the Next Chapter,” stressed Conway.
“Major accomplishments like this do not happen overnight. They require years of planning, research, grant writing, relationship-building, public engagement, coordination, and persistence,” explained Conway. “The MDOT award is designated for construction, but the work required to identify opportunities, develop strong projects, secure outside investment, and keep those projects moving forward depends on the support of donors like [the people of Pullman].”
The Next Chapter
There is a saying that “a rolling stone gathers no moss.” The people of Pullman, through the dedication and perseverance of the members of Beautify Pullman, are on a journey, and their wheels are not stopping with the Safe Routes to School Award. There is much work to do to move into the construction phase.
At the same time, they are looking forward to accomplishing another goal.
Community members have been interested in the history of Pullman. The historical mural on the southwest corner of 109th Ave. and 56th St. is an example of community pride in their heritage. The gas station on the northwest corner holds memorabilia and written materials depicting Pullman’s history.
The mural appeared on a slide during a presentation at a gathering of the Rural Initiatives at the Smithsonian Institution. Pullman became an example of what a rural community could do when there was a vision, planning, and follow-through.
The Beautify Pullman Board shared that on Saturday, August 22, 2026, they are inviting the wider community and Pullman supporters to join the Beautify Pullman Board at the Pullman Town Square for Building the Next Chapter, featuring Andy Mink, Director of Rural Initiatives at the Smithsonian Institution.
“The evening will celebrate how far Pullman has come while helping Beautify Pullman continue the behind-the-scenes work that makes achievements like this possible,” explained Conway. “Your support helps us develop ideas, write grants, build partnerships, and bring resources to a community that could not otherwise undertake projects of this scale.”
The vision is to work with the Smithsonian Institution to build a “City Center,” so to speak—a building where historic memorabilia can be displayed and people can gather for educational purposes.
“Today’s announcement shows what can happen when a community has the vision and capacity to pursue a better future,” stated Conway. “We hope you [all community members and supporters] will join us on August 22nd and help make Pullman’s next transformational accomplishment possible.”
Safe Routes. Stronger Connections. A Better Future.
The tagline for Beautify Pullman’s work to bring a Safe Routes to School grant to Pullman focused the group on working many hours to obtain the grant.
One of the community events was a Bike Rodeo, where young people could learn bike safety and complete an obstacle course that demonstrated they could handle their bikes safely in a variety of situations.
The Michigan Department of Transportation committed $823,363 in Safe Routes to School funding for the construction of new sidewalks and multi-use trails in Pullman, which are slated for completion in 2027.