HICKORY HILLS AMONG TOP DISC GOLF COURSES

RANKED #10

Hickory Hills Recreation Area has earned national recognition, ranking No. 10 on UDisc’s list of the 25 Best Disc Golf Courses at Ski Areas for 2026. The ranking evaluated more than 300 ski area disc golf courses worldwide and highlights the top courses based on ratings submitted by disc golfers through the UDisc platform.

Established in 1999, the Hickory Hills Disc Golf Course is known for its challenging terrain, significant elevation changes, wooded fairways, and scenic views overlooking Traverse City. The course features multiple layouts and has become a destination for disc golf enthusiasts throughout the region and beyond.

In announcing the rankings, UDisc encouraged players to “hit the slopes,” noting that the list showcases the best disc golf courses located at downhill ski areas around the world. Hickory Hills was recognized for its challenging design and technical play, making it well-suited for experienced disc golfers who enjoy navigating tight fairways and a demanding course layout.

The recognition places Hickory Hills among the most highly regarded ski-area disc golf courses in North America and internationally, and further highlights the recreation area as a year-round outdoor destination.

PARAMEDIC TRAINING COMING TO TRAVERSE CITY 

PARTNERSHIP WITH WEST SHORE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

The timing couldn’t have been more poetic. On May 18, 2026, coincidentally designated as "Education Day" during National EMS Week, the City Commission unanimously approved an exciting new partnership between the Traverse City Fire Department (TCFD) and West Shore Community College (WSCC) to bring advanced paramedic training directly to the Traverse City region. 

Local emergency agencies have historically faced uncertainty regarding nearby paramedic course availability, with only one other paramedic program available locally. Other programs exist within the state of Michigan, but they often require significant travel for local students. 

To solve this, TCFD contacted WSCC due to their proven program success and college resources, establishing TCFD Station 1 as an approved alternate site for WSCC's accredited program. Starting August 28, 2026, the rigorous 11-month curriculum will blend flexible, self-paced weekly online learning with one day of weekly in-person instruction at Station 1, running through July 2027 with a new cohort starting every fall semester. 

Under the agreement, WSCC retains full responsibility for the program's accreditation, state approval, and clinical contracts, while providing the necessary faculty and training equipment. In turn, TCFD will provide the classroom facility and AV equipment. This delivery model directly supports TCFD's current staffing reality, ensuring their on-staff, licensed EMTs can meet the department's three-year paramedic licensing requirement while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

Enrollment is capped at twelve students per cohort and is open to all regional emergency agencies, creating robust local recruitment, professional development, and cost-saving opportunities. The total course fee is set at an affordable in-district tuition rate of $13,249, which covers all required college courses, an anatomy and physiology class, and essential certifications like PHTLS, ACLS, and PEPP, with additional grant opportunities available to offset tuition. Students will also complete clinical rotations in diverse settings throughout the program. All established WSCC clinical sites will be available, and TCFD itself will become an official clinical site. This partnership benefits regional EMS as a whole, allowing local agencies to further collaborate and shape the next generation of life-savers right here at home.

PAVEMENT MARKING PROJECT BEGINS MAY 31

PROJECT COMPLETION BY JUNE 30

As part of the City’s ongoing commitment to roadway safety and mobility, the City has enhanced its pavement marking program and established a goal of completing all annual pavement markings by June 30, 2026. Clear and visible pavement markings improve safety for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians while supporting the City’s Complete Streets objectives.

Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians should be aware that the City of Traverse City and its contractor will begin the annual painting of pavement markings on Sunday, May 31, 2026. Work is expected to be completed by Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

This project will require nighttime work to minimize disruptions to pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular traffic. Appropriate signage will be in place, and access to homes and businesses will be maintained at all times. If possible, travelers are encouraged to use alternate routes to reduce congestion, minimize delays, and promote worker safety.

Downtown Pavement Markings: Overnight Parking Ordinance Enforced

Pavement marking operations, including parking spaces and parking structures, will begin in the downtown district on Sunday, May 31, 2026, and are anticipated to be completed by Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Work will be conducted overnight.

Per City ordinance, on-street parking in downtown is prohibited between 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Vehicles parked on-street during these hours may receive a citation to allow the work to be completed efficiently.

Overnight parking is available in both downtown parking structures at current rates. Overnight parking is also permitted in downtown parking Lots P and T. Please note, these are permit lots and are enforced Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Vehicles remaining in the lots after 7:00 a.m. without a valid permit may be subject to citation.



We would like to thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation. Please feel free to contact Chris Weber at (231) 922-4904 if you have any questions, comments or concerns about the work or the schedule.

EAST BAY TOWNSHIP SEWER PROJECT 

IMPACTS TO HANNAH AVENUE ALLEY & HULL PARK

Beginning June 1, construction activities associated with East Bay Township’s East Bay/Acme Township Force Main Sewer Project will impact portions of the City, including the Hull Park area and the alley adjacent to Hannah Avenue.

The project involves installation of a new 16-inch force main sewer line extending from the Wastewater Treatment Plant through Hull Park, along Hannah Avenue to Barlow Street, north for a half block, and then east through the alleyway connecting Barlow Street and Garfield Avenue. As part of the work, the alley running parallel to Hannah Avenue between Barlow Street and Rose Street will be closed for the duration of the project. The closure is anticipated to remain in place until mid-September, weather permitting.

Access to Hull Park will remain open throughout construction. However, work activities near the Wastewater Treatment Plant access gate are scheduled for the weekend of June 13 and 14, 2026. During that time, access to the Hull Park boat launch area will be limited. The contractor, M&M Excavating, expects the roadway to be restored with a gravel surface by the end of the day on June 14, 2026.

Questions regarding construction activities may be directed to M&M Excavating Project Representative, Ryan Meisner, at ryan@m-mexcavating.com.

SPLASH PAD OPEN

The Clinch Park splash pad is open for the 2026 season!

Operating Hours

Daily: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The waterscape typically opens near Memorial Day weekend and operates every day through Labor Day when weather permits. The splash pad is weather dependent and may not operate in periods of rain, forecasted inclement weather or low temperatures. 

TREE CITY USA

The Arbor Day Foundation recently recognized the City of Traverse City as a 2025 Tree City USA! The latest honor makes 37 total years of being recognized as a Tree City USA!

The value and importance of trees has become increasingly clear. Cities and towns across the globe are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being, and energy use. Traverse City has taken steps to create to a brighter, greener future!

WATER SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT

WEEK OF JUNE 1

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. The water service line replacement project started in May 2026 and is anticipated to be completed by fall 2026.

Week of June 1 Locations

The week of June 1, 2026, work will be conducted on the 200 and 300 blocks of W. Sixteenth, the 300 block of W. Seventeenth, the 100 block of E. Seventeenth, the 1400 block of Pine, the 600 block of State, the 400 block of E. State, and the 100 and 200 blocks of Franklin. This work will cause lane closures and lane shifts. Additionally, the work will cause sidewalk closures.

HICKORY HILLS

DAY CAMP

REGISTRATION OPEN

The City, in partnership with the Grand Traverse Conservation District (GTCD), is excited to announce a new Summer Day Camp experience at the City’s Hickory Hills Recreation Area for ages 7-12 years old. This camp is an extension of GTCD’s long-standing Nature Day Camp, bringing the same mission-driven outdoor learning to a new, inspiring setting. Registration for GTCD’s Hickory Hills Day Camp is now open via GTCD’s digital camp registration system.



Rooted in GTCD’s mission to lead, facilitate, and inspire exploration, appreciation, conservation, and restoration of our natural world, campers can expect hands-on exploration, nature-based play, environmental learning, and opportunities to build connections with the natural world.

Strategic Alignment

Expanding childcare opportunities was identified by the community as the top priority in the Strategic Action Plan and aligns with the City Commission’s OKRs.

ANNUAL BBQ
CITY TEAM CONNECTION

Before the busy summer season officially begins, City employees gathered for a longstanding tradition—the annual City BBQ. Featuring chicken cooked on the City’s custom-built grills and a dish-to-pass shared by employees, the event is a chance for staff to connect and kick off another summer season.

As summer operations ramp up, the City team remains focused on delivering the services, programs, and projects that help make Traverse City a great place to live, work, and visit.