Park Improvement Projects

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 Center Park campus-wide updates (click for more information)

Camp Greilick updates (click for more information)

Park signage replacement - Spring 2026

Implement recommendations provided by Corbin Design
Phase 1 is complete and includes interior wayfinding signage at Civic Center park (Fall 2024) and wayfinding signage at Power Island (Spring 2025), including campsite identification
Phase 2, which includes identification signs in most park properties is planned for Spring 2026

Boardwalk replacement - Natural Education Reserve

The Boy Scout Boardwalk replacement project will continue through Winter 2025/2026 and is expected to be complete in Spring 2026.

Recently completed projects

Roof replacement - Civic Center building-Fall 2024/Spring 2025

Replace two sections of the building's roof

Engineering for VASA Improvement project-Fall 2024

Completing the engineering work for the first phase of the VASA Improvement Project
Phase 1 includes parking lot regrading and preparation for paving along with improvement of storm water control

Boardwalk replacement at Natural Education Reserve-Fall 2024

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
Project fully funded through private donations and Traverse City Track Club grant

Civic Center dugout replacement - Spring 2024

Replace dugouts on fields 2 and 3 with universally accessible structures and new concreate pads and walkways
Project fully funded through Dream Team fundraising efforts

Civic Center Park Ballfield Outdoor Restroom Renovation - Spring 2024

Reconfigure interior layout
Replace fixtures and partitions
Increase lighting

Civic Center Park Seating Plaza Renovation - Spring 2024

Replace wooden benches (completed Spring 2023)
Replace concrete and pavers

Replace Power Island dock-Spring 2024

Replace the main dock serving the island

Evaluate all exterior park signage and design new signage for replacement - 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

Develop master site plan for VASA Trailhead - 2023

Create vision, scope, and estimate of costs for reimagined trailhead, including improved parking lot drainage and surface, usability of warming hut, and rerouting connector trails
Project sponsored and funded by TART

Develop 2024-2028 Park and Recreation Plan-2023

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 and public input sessions

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

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

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

Replacement of HVAC unit at Civic Center-December 2022

Replacing the unit that serves 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 Fall 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

Future projects

Upgrade the restroom facilities at Medalie Park - 2025

Replace all fixtures, partitions, countertops, and toilets
Add exterior security cameras

Upgrade the restrooms at the south end of Civic Center Park-2026

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 - 2026

Replace end-of-life fixtures, partitions and toilets
Improve internal plumbing to improve drainage