Meet the Staff

John_Chase-2625John Chase, Director of Parks and Facilities

When you find a career that allows you to wake up in the morning and say “I get to do this”, you know you’re on the right path. John Chase is one of the lucky people who gets to say that every morning as the Director of Parks and Recreation for Grand Traverse County.  In his role, John is responsible for the stewardship of approximately 1,400 acres of park property and ensuring that residents of the county have beautiful and functional spaces to recreate. John brings previous experience managing recreation centers, water parks, fitness centers, a nature center, senior programming, and even a fishing pond operation.

Known as someone who never stops moving, John has an insatiable love of the outdoors. When not supporting staff and customers in the parks, John can frequently be found in a kayak, on a mountain bike, or exploring parts near and far. John is supported fully by his wife, Kellie, and two daughters, Rachael and Sara, also known to be adventure addicts.




PXL_20230211_172551248Cara Eule, Deputy Director of Parks

Cara has lived in Grand Traverse County since 2019 and brings a varied background in healthcare, program design and operations, and nonprofit management. She holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and nursing as well as a master’s degree in management. Cara enjoys visiting all of our parks with her husband, two teenage boys, and Daisy the beagle. She is passionate about getting people of all ages excited about and engaged with parks and recreation. Her favorite parks activities are, well, just about all of them! If she had to pick just a few, it would probably be running the Boardman Loop from Medalie, hiking Maple Bay with Daisy, playing hockey at Howe Arena, or visiting Power Island.  



A. PerreaultAriel Perreault, Office Coordinator

Ariel Perreault grew up in Traverse City, Michigan, and spent her summers at her family cottage on Platte Lake. For seasonal breaks and vacations, her mother would bring her and her siblings to National Parks around the States, embedding Ariel's passion for nature, history, and parks. Today, Ariel spends most of her time in a park or at an extracurricular event with her two children and husband. When she finds the calm in the chaos, she can be found turning every stone and exploring the trails and waters of Northern Michigan.  

Ariel studied locally at Northwestern Michigan College and transferred to Grand Valley State University to major in Integrative Studies with specialties in Business and Leadership.  She began her journey with the Parks Department in 2015 when she was hired as an Easling Pool Office Clerk. Since then, she has had the pleasure of being a part of many Parks milestones and accomplishments over the years.    


Scott HallidayScott Halliday, Park Attendant/Custodian

Scott was born and raised in northern Metro Detroit where he developed an early interest in the outdoors, exploring natural areas and parks while fishing, cycling, paddling and hiking. He became familiar with the beauty of the Benzie / Traverse area over frequent summer trips to his family property in Frankfort. 

While earning his Bachelors Degree in History from Oakland University, Scott worked for a local Parks and Forestry department and grew his passion for being outdoors and helping create and maintain spaces for everyone to enjoy. After graduating, he made a foray into the craft beverage industry, working and living in Detroit. 

Post-2020, Scott resolved to leave the Detroit area and relocate to Northern Michigan full time, and is happy to have found a home helping to preserve and improve the beautiful natural resources of Grand Traverse County.


Travis staff pictureTravis Peck, Parks Coordinator

Travis was born and raised right here in Traverse City where he spent much of his time skiing at Mt Holiday and with the Boy Scouts at Camp Greilick. His many scouting adventures led him to Colorado and Wyoming to pursue his passion for all things outdoor recreation. From backcountry trail building and wildland firefighting to guiding ski tours, mountain biking and rock-climbing experiences; he has been able to enjoy much that the great outdoors has to offer.

With a desire to continue working and playing outside, he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Management with a minor in Business Administration from Northern Michigan University. He can be found these days hunting, fishing, playing disc golf or exploring all the woods, rivers and trails this beautiful area has to offer with his dog Zuko.