About the Department

Our Parks

2025 parks map

Screenshot 2025-11-04 121744

Grand Traverse County offers over 1,400 acres of parkland with 20 miles of trails in 10 county parks and one property zoned as parkland.  There are many opportunities for passive recreation throughout the county with active recreational opportunities offered through community partners.


Mission

Parks and Recreation’s mission is to “enhance community and quality of life through people, parks and programs.”  

Office Location

The Parks and Recreation Department’s staff office is inside the Civic Center Park building that houses Easling Pool and Howe Arena.

Governance

The Parks and Recreation Commission, appointed by the County Board of Commissioners, oversees Grand Traverse County parks, park facilities, and facility user agreements and leases. 


Contact Us

  1. Parks & Recreation

    Email

    Physical Address
    1213 W Civic Center Drive
    Traverse City, MI 49684

    Phone: 231-922-4818

    Park Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. 
    Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 


  2. John Chase

    Director
    jchase@gtcountymi.gov

  3. Ariel Perreault

    Office Coordinator
    aperreault@gtcountymi.gov

  4. Cara Eule

    Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation
    Email

  5. Travis Peck

    Parks Coordinator
    tpeck@gtcountymi.gov

  6. Scott Halliday

    Parks Custodian
    shalliday@gtcountymi.gov