We serve our mission by delivering an outstanding park experience consisting of beautiful facilities and well-maintained and accessible infrastructure. Following is a summary of current, planned, and completed projects to help us serve our residents.
Current projects
Civic Rec implementation - January 2023
Civic Rec reservation and registration software will revolutionize the way we interact with guests, making it easier for you to place a reservation and easier for our team to work with you.
Website redevelopment - January 2023
Redesigning the layout of the Parks and Recreation pages on our site to make it easier to find the information you need.
Increase the content to help you get to know us better and allow us to report on park activities, performance, and more
Replace the existing dog waste bag dispensers in all parks - Spring 2023
New dispensers with higher bag capacity
Consistent dispensers and bags across all properties to reduce cost and complexity
New bags will be biodegradeable
Evaluate all exterior park signage and design new signage for replacement - Fall 2023
Corbin Design has been hired to conduct a complete site evaluation, develop a signage plan, create concepts and text for new signs
Following step will be to take the design work to bid for production and installation
Boardwalk replacement at Natural Education Reserve-Winter/Spring 2023
Project underway by Grand Traverse Conservation District
Replacement of the Boy Scout Boardwalk and other walkway projects
Removal and rerouting of a trail in a flooded area
Bridge construction at Natural Education Reserve-Winter/Spring 2023
Project underway by Grand Traverse Conservation District
Construct small bridges and trail connecting the existing trails to the Great Lakes Incubator Farm
Future projects
Replacement of the Civic Center walking track - Fall 2023
Replace the walking track surface with new asphalt, remove the existing end-of-life pedestrian bridge, reroute the track in the area of the current bridge, and explore the possibility of adding 130' to bring the track to a full mile.
Add seven fitness stations along the walking track - Spring 2024
Include 7 outdoor fitness stations for all abilities along the walking track
Upgrade the restroom facilities at Medalie Park - 2023
Replace all fixtures, partitions, countertops, and toilets
Add exterior security cameras
Upgrade the outdoor restrooms at the Civic Center ball fields-2023
Replace all fixtures, partitions, countertops, and toilets
Upgrade the restrooms at the south end of Civic Center Park-2023
Replace all fixtures, partitions, countertops and toilets
Repair drain pipes to improve drainage
Improve the plumbing inside the Civic Center serving the locker rooms and restrooms - 2023
Replace end-of-life fixtures, partitions and toilets
Improve internal plumbing to improve drainage
Pave parking lot near Civic Center amphitheater-Fall 2023
Replace gravel surface with asphalt
Replace adjacent driveway to increase life span
Develop 2024-2028 Five Year Recreation Plan
Park Departments throughout the State of Michigan are required to file a Five Year Recreation Plan with the MDNR to be eligible for state-sponsored grants
The plan provides a complete description of the community, administrative structure recreation asset inventory, needs assessment, and goals and objectives for the five-year period
Extensive public input is gathered during the process through surveys, public meetings, and public hearings
Recently completed projects
Replacement of two HVAC units at Civic Center-December 2022
Replacing the units that serve the lobby and arena
Removed asphalt from Maple Bay beach-October 2022
Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy staff and volunteers removed 5+ tons of asphalt from a former pier that had washed up on the beach. Additional removal of remaining asphalt will occur in Spring 2023.
Invasive vegetation removal and shoreline cleanup at Medalie Park-September 2022
Removed invasive species throughout the interior and perimiter of the property
Cleaned invasive and non-invasive vegetation from the shoreline to improve sightlines while retaining necessary vegetation for shoreline stabilization
Added second entrance/exit road to Keystone Soccer Complex-September 2022
TBAYS added a second road to enter and exit the property from Birmley Road, improving safety and guest satisfaction
Completed the Boardman Lake Loop Trail with Medalie Park as the South trailhead-July 2022
Cooperative project with TART Trails, Grand Traverse County, and the City of Traverse City, along with numerous community organizations
Two bridges were installed at the East and west sides of Medalie Park
New pathway constructed through the park connecting the bridges
Expanded Power Island campsites from 10 to 15-May 2022
Obtained permit from EGLE to reopen five sites on adjacent Basset Island, bringing the total number of sites on the island complex to 15