ASHTON PARK PLAYGROUND PROJECT TO BEGIN

REUSE OF CURED BLACK LOCUST LOGS FROM SENIOR CENTER

Improvements at Ashton Park will begin Monday, October 20, 2025, including the installation of new playground equipment and enhancements to trail access. The project is anticipated to completed in mid-November, weather permitting.

The project features a nature-based playground constructed entirely from natural materials, with no plastic components will be used. A highlight of the design is the reuse of Black Locust logs sourced from trees removed at the Senior Center. These logs have been cured for two years and prepared for construction by TC Millworks.

Project Features

The playground will offer separate play areas for ages 2–5 and 5–12, featuring:

• Climbing elements, boulders, slide, and log steppers
• A slack line and spider net
• A craft table

These features are designed to blend with and preserve the park’s wooded character.

Additionally, the project includes a trail extension connecting the existing wooded trails to the Safe Routes to School sidewalk/trail on the south side of the park near the Wayne Street entrance. The sidewalk/trail will remain open during construction.

Funding for this project comes from the Brown Bridge Trust Fund (2019 allocation).

ROTARY SQUARE FINAL DESIGN

REVIEWED BY DDA BOARD ON OCTOBER 17TH

At their October 17, 2025 meeting, the DDA Board of Directors (DDA) will consider approving the final design concept for Rotary Square.

The Imagine Rotary Square initiative launched in January 2025 and engaged the community through a combination of surveys, stakeholder meetings, pop-up events, two public open houses, and multiple online surveys. Over the course of nine months, the process generated more than 1,000 individual points of community feedback, shaping a design that reflects the values and aspirations of Traverse City residents.

The full design will be available on the DDA website following Friday’s Board meeting. Upon approval from the Board, the DDA will advance the development phase to bring the community’s vision for Rotary Square to life.

Design Highlights

The final design strikes a balance between an active public plaza and a natural Downtown retreat. Inspired by the organic forms of the Petoskey Stone, the design layers active and passive zones around a central lawn, offering spaces for both quiet reflection and large community gatherings.

Key features include:

• A central lawn and stage area for performances and events
• A raised pathway leading to an elevated platform overlooking the lawn
• Large swing benches for relaxation
• Sustainable design elements, such as native plantings and a rocky channel for stormwater collection
• A potential connection to FishPass

Project Background

The vision for a civic square was first outlined in the original TIF 97 Plan. In 2020, the DDA purchased the site at State and Union Streets, with funding support from Rotary Charities and the State of Michigan. Since acquiring the property, the DDA has cleared and seeded the site and installed signage recognizing Rotary Charities’ enduring contributions to the community.

AERATION BASIN CLEANING

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

Residents and businesses should be aware that the City’s contractor will be conducting annual maintenance at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project is anticipated to conclude on October 24, 2025.

Maintenance activities include cleaning and inspection of the aeration basins and other routine work essential to the continued safe and efficient operation of the facility. During this period, temporary increases in odor may be noticeable in areas surrounding the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The City appreciates the community’s understanding and patience while this important maintenance is completed. These efforts are necessary to ensure the long-term reliability and environmental performance of the facility.

WWTP SOLAR PROJECT BEGINS

TRAIL DETOUR FOR HULL PARK BOATHOUSE ROOF REPLACEMENT

Work has begun on a solar and battery storage installation at Traverse City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The project, which kicked off in fall 2025, is anticipated to be completed by December 17, 2025, weather permitting.

Project Overview & Benefits

• The City initiated planning for solar expansion on municipal buildings in 2022, ultimately securing a $1,685,479 grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission’s Low Carbon Energy Infrastructure Enhancement & Development program.
• The solar photovoltaic system will be installed on WWTP rooftops and the Hull Park Boathouse roof, supplemented with a battery energy storage system (BESS) to store and release power as needed.
• The WWTP currently consumes about 5,048 MWh of electricity annually, costing approximately $411,525.
• The new solar installation is projected to generate around 510 MWh per year, roughly 10 percent of the plant’s annual electricity use, which will yield annual savings of about $41,000.
• Over a 25-year lifespan, the system is expected to reduce emissions by approximately 300 metric tons of CO₂e each year and save the City over $1 million in operational costs. 

Boardman Lake Loop Trail Detour: Hull Park Boathouse Roof Replacement

In preparation for the solar panel project, roof replacement will take place on the Hull Park Boathouse the week of October 20, 2025. A portion of the Boardman Lake Loop Trail will be closed at the Hull Park pedestrian bridge, leading to the restroom at Hull Park, beginning October 22, 2025 through October 28, 2025, weather permitting. Detour signage will be in place. Trail users are encouraged to avoid that segment to reduce congestion and maintain safety. 

ROAD CONSTRUCTION

PROJECT UPDATES

The City’s 2025 Road Reconstruction Projects are fully underway, with some recently completed. Work activities will cause disruptions to pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular traffic. Appropriate signage will be in place for the detours, and access to all homes and businesses will be maintained at all times. 

Following are updates on current projects.

Eleventh Street Reconstruction Substantially Completed

Eleventh Street reconstruction was substantially completed on September 26, 2025. Pavement markings, permanent signage, bioswale plantings, and irrigation repair are completed. The remaining element of the project is the installation of the Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at the intersection of Cass Street and Eleventh Street.

Griffin Street Reconstruction Active

Griffin Street reconstruction, between Pine and S. Union Streets, is anticipated to be substantially completed by October 31, 2025. Sanitary sewer work is completed and watermain work is anticipated to be completed next week.

Ninth Street Reconstruction Active

Ninth Street reconstruction, between Union and Cass Streets, is anticipated to be substantially completed by October 31, 2025. Watermain work continues. Grade, gravel, and concrete are anticipated to begin next week.

Twelfth Street Reconstruction Active

Twelfth Street reconstruction between Union and Cass Streets is anticipated to be completed Friday, November 14, 2025, weather permitting. Curb was installed this past week and base paving began. Sidewalks and drives are anticipated for next week.

MDOT PROJECT UPDATE

DETOUR FOR ROUNDABOUT PAVING

The Michigan Department of Transportation's (MDOT)

contractor will be conducting paving activities on the new roundabout at the M-72/M-22 intersection.

M-72 will be closed to through-traffic on Monday, October 20, 2025 from 4 am through Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 10 pm, weather permitting. The closure extends from Gray Road/Bugai Road to Bay Street. Businesses along M-72 will remain open and accessible during the work.

Detour Routes

• Eastbound M-72 traffic will be detoured via Gray Road, Cedar Run Road, West Front Street, and US-31/M-37 (Division Street) back to M-72.
• Westbound M-72 traffic will follow the reverse route.
• A temporary signal will be installed at the Cedar Run Road/Harris Road intersection to manage detour traffic.

M-72 and M-22 will stay open between US-31/M-37 and Cherry Bend Road under the direction of traffic regulators, but westbound M-72 traffic will not be able to pass through the roundabout during paving.

MDOT expects the closure to provide the safest conditions for paving crews as the project nears completion.

2025 WATER SERVICE REPLACEMENT LINE PROJECT TO CONCLUDE

546 LINES REPLACED

Next week, the 2025 Water Service Line Replacement Project will conclude. While the City has no fully lead service lines, approximately 780 galvanized lines meet the replacement criteria. Since the program’s inception, 546 service lines will have been replaced.

• 2023 (year one): 116 replacements were completed
• 2024 (year two): 217 replacements were completed
• 2025 (year three): 223 replacements to be completed

Michigan's 2017 Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) designates galvanized water services as lead service lines if they "are or ever were" connected to a lead gooseneck, requiring utilities to pay for replacing private water services from the curb stop to the building. Lead goosenecks, installed before the mid-1940s, are 3-foot lead pipes used between the brass connection to the water main and a galvanized pipe.

The City has since installed copper services and has no known fully lead service lines. Not all private galvanized lines need replacement; those originally connected to City-owned copper services don't require replacement. 

After year three, approximately 230 service lines still require replacement. The project has been funded by a $3,510,500 SRF Loan, a $1,504,500 DWI Grant, and a $2 million Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) grant, allowing the program to continue in 2026.

Thank you to residents and businesses, for your patience during the 2025 project.

Week of October 20th Locations

The week of October 20th, the project will be conducted on the 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 blocks of W. Fifteenth Street, the 800 and 1200 blocks of S. Union Street, the 1200 block of Cass Street, and the 500 block of W. Ninth Street. The work will result in lane closures under flag control, lane shifts, and sidewalk closures. 

COMPLETE STREETS

INTRODUCTION OF POLICY

At their October 20, 2025 meeting, the City Commission will have the Complete Streets Policy introduced. The proposed policy outlines the City’s plan to create a safe, connected, and equitable transportation network that serves all users. It replaces the 2011 Resolution of Support for Complete Streets and aligns with the City’s current Master Plan and Mobility Action Plan. Complete Streets are defined as a design framework that enables safe and convenient access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and drivers of all ages and abilities.

Through collaboration among City staff, members of the public, and the Complete Streets Ad Hoc Committee, a draft policy has been developed that reflects the community's shared goals for safer, more accessible streets. The policy emphasizes safety, accessibility, and sustainability. It prioritizes improvements in historically underserved neighborhoods and promotes non-motorized and public transportation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Under the proposal, Complete Streets principles will apply to all transportation projects, including new construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, and maintenance. The City Commission intends to dedicate one percent of the annual budget to Complete Streets projects.

Design standards will follow guidance from the Federal Highway Administration, the National Association of City Transportation Officials, and other recognized sources. Land use and transportation planning will be coordinated, and the City’s Tree Ordinance will be incorporated into street design to support environmental and safety goals.

The policy establishes a Complete Streets Advisory Committee consisting of one City Commissioner, the City Manager or designee, and five residents. The committee will meet quarterly to set measurable goals, review projects for policy compliance, and advise on priorities for the Complete Streets fund. Performance measures will track progress, including miles of sidewalks and bikeways added, accessibility improvements, transit ridership, and winter maintenance levels.



Implementation steps include regular policy reviews, staff training, public engagement, and alignment of City plans and regulations. The policy is intended to guide Traverse City toward a transportation system that is safe, accessible, and sustainable for all users.

The Fall Loose Leaf Pick-Up begins Monday, October 20th in City neighborhoods, starting on the west side and moving eastward over 5 to 7 weekdays. Crews will then return to the west side to repeat the process.

The City has a progression map that divides the City into six zones for efficient service. Leaf collection will begin on the west side in Zone 1 and progress eastward through all zones. Residents can view the map to identify their zone and prepare for leaf pickup accordingly. Due to weather conditions and the unpredictability of leaf fall, exact dates for each zone's pickup will not be provided. The City encourages residents to be ready by having their leaves gathered before collection starts in their zone.

Progress updates will be announced via social media and will also be available on the interactive map on the City's Leaf Pickup webpage. While crews may clean streets outside the scheduled zone to finish up the day, if they are not officially picking up in that zone, they will return at the appropriate time. This zoned approach will help ensure timely and effective leaf removal across the City.

Streets Under Construction

For those who live on a street that is currently under construction, or a street closed to through traffic, and have an alley available, the City requests that the leaves be placed in the alley for pickup.

• Ninth Street (Lake Street to Union Street)
• Twelfth Street (Union Street to Cass Street)
• Griffin Street (Pine Street to Locust Street)

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS

PUMPKIN SMASHING EXTRAVAGANZA

The City is teaming up with Carter’s Compost and SEEDS to host the 2nd Annual Pumpkin Smashing Extravaganza on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

This is a fun hands-on event where the community will smash pumpkins to help divert waste (and methane emissions) from landfills and create compost! It's a win-win!

Volunteers will be responsible for working various stations; pumpkin smashing, pumpkin bowling, etc. Dress for the weather with appropriate attire...it is smashed pumpkins after all!

Volunteer Shifts

9:30 am to 1:30 pm

9:30 am to 11:30 am

11:30 am to 1:30 pm

CITY OFFICE HOURS ADJUSTMENT

GOVERNMENTAL CENTER

Beginning October 6, 2025, to better accommodate the varying schedules of City staff, the customer service hours at City Offices in the Governmental Center, 400 Boardman Avenue, will be adjusted to provide consistency across all City Departments.

City Office Hours: Governmental Center

• Monday–Thursday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
• Friday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Customer needs outside of these regular business hours will be available by appointment only.

For after-hours services, customers may use the red drop box located at the Governmental Center, or make payments online.

“These adjusted office hours ensure that we continue to provide reliable and accessible customer service for our residents, while also recognizing the times when in-person customer activity is at its lowest. At the same time, the nature of City work sometimes requires staff to begin earlier or extend later than traditional hours, and these changes provide the structure needed to balance efficient operations with community service,” stated Interim City Manager, Benjamin Marentette.

Please note that Grand Traverse County Offices will continue to maintain their customer service hours at the Governmental Center, Monday–Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.