Parks and Recreation Commission

About the Parks and Recreation Commission

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


Regular Meeting Schedule
Regular meetings of the Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation Commission are held on the second Thursday of every month at 5:30 p.m., in Commission Chambers, Second Floor, Governmental Center, 400 Boardman Avenue, Traverse City, Michigan  49684, except when that day falls on a holiday observed by Grand Traverse County and is identified by resolution on which business is not conducted, or on any Election Day.  If there is any change with this schedule, notices will be provided to the public on the County's website, at the meeting site, and a posting at the Parks and Recreation office.

 Regular Meeting Schedule

Business Development Team Meeting Schedule
Regular meetings of the Business Development Team of the Parks and Recreation Commission are held the first Tuesday of every month, at 5:30 p.m. in Gilbert Lodge at Twin Lakes Park, 6800 N. Long Lake Road, Traverse City, Michigan 49685. If there is any change with this schedule, notices will be provided to the public on the County's website, at the meeting site, and a posting at the Parks and Recreation office. 

Business Development Team Meeting Schedule

Rules Committee and Strategic Planning Ad Hoc Committee

These committees meet, as deemed necessary.   Meeting notices are provided to the public.

NER (Natural Education Reserve) Advisory Committee Meetings

The County authorized the creation of a citizen advisory committee as a means for public input regarding management of the property and to ensure the public’s vision is carried out. The advisory committee makes management recommendations to the Parks and Recreation Board for final approval. The by-laws for the Advisory Committee may be found in the NER Management Plan under Appendix 7. Meetings take place quarterly at Boardman River Nature Center (1450 Cass Road, Traverse City) at 5:30 pm, as scheduled by Grand Traverse Conservation District. Meetings for 2023 are scheduled as follows: 

  • January 11, 2023 
  • April 12, 2023 Cancelled
  • June 28, 2023
  • August 9, 2023 
  • October 11, 2023

Agenda and Minutes 

Agenda is available prior to each meeting. Minutes available, upon approval.

View Most Recent Parks and Recreation Commission, Business Deveopment Team, Rules, and Strategic Planning Committee Agenda and Minutes (since September 2021)

View Parks and Recreation Commission, Business Development Team, Rules, and Strategic Planning Committee Agenda and Minutes (August 2021 and older)

Agendas and minutes for NER meetings are posted below:

Meeting date

January 12, 2022AgendaMinutes
April 13, 2022AgendaMinutes
August 10, 2022AgendaMinutes
October 12, 2022AgendaMinutes
January 11, 2023
Agenda
Minutes
June 28, 2023AgendaMinutes
August 9, 2023AgendaMinutes

Meeting minutes and agendas from prior to 2022 can be obtained by request

TBAYS Board Meetings
Regular meetings take place on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m., at TBAYS’ office (1820 Oak Hollow Dr, Suite B, Traverse City, MI 49686)

Meeting information can be found at the  TBAYS website.

Business Development Team

  • Jessica Brutzman, Chair
  • Rodetta Harrand, Vice Chair
  • John Sohacki
  • Rod Kivell
  • Pete Albers (Citizen Member)
  • Jamie Callahan (Citizen Member)

Rules Committee

  • Jalen Provo, Chair
  • Grace Edinger, Vice Chair
  • Rodetta Harrand

Strategic Planning Committee

  • Jalen Provo, Chair
  • John Sohacki, Vice Chair
  • Grace Edinger
  • Joseph Underwood
  • Alisa Korn (Citizen Member)

Traverse Bay Area Youth Soccer (TBAYS) Board Representative 

  • Jalen  Provo

NER Advisory Committee

  • Joe Underwood, Parks and Recreation Commission representative
  • Jim Kure (Citizen Member)
  • Judy Reich (Citizen Member)
  • James Chrestensen (Citizen Member)
  • Ken Gregory (Citizen Member)
  • Mike Foley (Citizen Member)
  • Erwin "Duke" Elsner (Citizen Member)
  • Luke Kreykes, Grand Traverse Conservation District representative
  • Reb Ratliff, Grand Traverse Conservation District representative

Governing Documents