CITY AWARDED A $2,352,200 MNRTF GRANT

BROWN BRIDGE LAND ACQUISITION

The City of Traverse City has been awarded a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) Grant in the amount of $2,352,200 to be used for land acquisition at the Brown Bridge Quiet Area.

The Brown Bridge Quiet Area is approximately 1,310 acres of City-owned property located 11 miles southeast of Traverse City within the Boardman/Ottaway River Watershed. The City obtained the property in the early 1900s. The property was established as a natural area for quiet recreation by the City Commission in the 1970s.

In 2023, the City was presented the opportunity to acquire 528 acres of land adjacent to the Brown Bridge Quiet Area for $3,098,445. The City Commission approved a resolution to apply for a MNRTF Grant in the amount of $2,352,200. At the November 2023 election, an overwhelming support of over 80% of City voters approved usage of the principal from the Brown Bridge Trust Fund to match the grant in an amount not to exceed $746,245.

Upon acquisition, the Brown Bridge Quiet Area will expand to 1,838 acres for quiet recreation, with one of the newly acquired parcels encompassing 228 acres featuring Spring Lake, while the second, a 300-acre section, is part of the Traverse City Rotary Camps and Services property. Collaborating closely with the Brown Bridge Advisory Committee, the City is committed to reassessing the Management Plan, ensuring the thoughtful and sustainable use of these newly acquired lands.



The City partnered with the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy to secure the properties acquisition and to navigate the complexities of applying for a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant. This collaborative effort aims to develop efficient methodologies that align with conservation goals, preserving the natural integrity of these landscapes for the benefit of our community and future generations.

IS YOUR KNOX BOX

UP TO DATE?

The Traverse City Fire Department holds the master keys to access Knox Boxes within the City of Traverse City. This allows firefighters to quickly enter a commercial building without having to force entry or delay entry waiting for a key holder. In the event of emergency TCFD will gain access with forcible entry tools if required. Every fire call is treated as a worst case scenario until proven otherwise.

All buildings in the City need to be updated at the business owners' earliest convenience. Thereafter, any time there has been a change of entry keys or primary contact information for the building. Make an appointment today!

BOON STREET PARK IMPROVEMENTS

The installation of new playground equipment in Boon Street Park is complete!

In Spring 2023, the City conducted a survey among the surrounding neighbors of Boon Street Park. Survey responses expressed a desire for a swing set, climbing feature, and slide. Additionally, the survey noted that the basketball hoop and the open green space were important features that should be maintained.

The new equipment was carefully chosen based on its theme, style, and functionality. The equipment meets the City's requirements for using sustainable building materials, reducing plastic play structures, and having high-quality design. In addition, it also boasts a variety of equipment in one theme, creating a unified play structure for the park.

ART COMMISSION SEEKS ROTATING EXHIBITION

The Traverse City Arts Commission has dedicated funding to install four new art installations at the City’s Boardman Lake Rotating Art Exhibition zone.

The location is along the Boardman Lake Loop, just north of the Tenth Street trailhead. The art installation will serve to enhance the experience of the trail user as well as compliment and add interest to a busy trail node.

This art installment will be the third installation at the rotating art exhibit zone, following four sculptures by artist Robert Sestok and artist David Petrakovitz.

NEW LOOK FOR CITY PARKS

COMPREHENSIVE SIGNAGE OVERHAUL PLANNED

City parks are getting a new look! At their December 15, 2023 meeting, the City Commission will consider approving a contract for the fabrication and installation of park signage.

In 2022, the Parks and Recreation Division engaged local firm Corbin Design to develop a new signage array for City parks. Park signage throughout the City's 30+ parks has significantly aged, is insufficient, and in some cases non-existent. A diverse range of signage types, tailored in size and design to complement each park's unique landscape, will be implemented. The signage array includes new park identification monuments, information kiosks, guide signs, trail markers, and regulatory markers. The design process also included guidance for each park in the sign message schedule for physical sign placement, sign quantities, and upgrades to regulatory text. The consistency of this new package allows the Parks and Recreation Division to have a level of cohesion to better educate the public on park rules, wayfinding information, and environmental education.

New park signage offers a multitude of benefits that significantly enhance the visitor experience and park management. Clear, well-designed signage promotes safety by conveying essential rules and warnings, and ensuring a secure environment for all. Up-to-date park signage not only aids navigation but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the natural environment, and ultimately encouraging a stronger connection with the City's park ecosystem.

This project was identified as a priority by the Parks and Recreation Commission for the Parks and Recreation 5 Year Master Plan. The project has been budgeted with the majority of funds available in the Brown Bridge Parks Improvement Fund.