RETURN OF SUMMER DAY CAMP SERVICES CONSIDERED

LICENSE PENDING WITH STATE OF MICHIGAN

The City is working to bring back summer day camp services through a new partnership with the Grand Traverse Conservation District (GTCD), with programs planned to take place at Hickory Hills Recreation Area.

At their Monday, March 16, 2026 meeting, the City Commission will consider entering into an agreement with GTCD to administer an eight-week summer day camp program for the 2026 season. 

If approved, the program will operate Monday through Thursday and serve children ages 7–11. The full-day program would provide outdoor recreation, environmental education, and nature-based programming at Hickory Hills, building on the Grand Traverse Conservation District’s established Nature Day Camp model. 

The City has submitted the required program license to the State of Michigan, and approval is currently pending.

Under the proposed partnership, the Grand Traverse Conservation District would manage the day-to-day operations of the camp, while the City provides the Hickory Hills location and supports overall program coordination. The program is anticipated to serve up to 40 campers per week, creating new opportunities for families seeking summer childcare and outdoor recreation experiences. 

This initiative directly aligns with the City’s Strategic Action Plan. Through extensive community engagement, childcare emerged as a top priority among the 24 prioritized action items, and expanding access to childcare was also identified as a key objective in the City Commission’s adopted Objectives and Key Results (OKRs).

By partnering with a trusted regional organization and utilizing an existing public space like Hickory Hills, the City aims to provide a program that supports working families while offering meaningful outdoor experiences for children.

As this marks the first year reintroducing a day camp program at Hickory Hills, the City and the Grand Traverse Conservation District plan to evaluate participation levels, operational logistics, and program outcomes following the 2026 season to help guide future programming. 

HICKORY SLUSH CUP
SEASON CLOSURE ON MARCH 15TH

Alpine Report

Due to warmer temperatures early in the week, thinning snow conditions are expected and being monitored.

Please note:

• The Fast Tammy conveyor is currently down. Skiers may hike up Fast Tammy, and users will not be charged for access in that area.
• Closed: Bail, Cherry Bomb, and Don & Jerry

Slush Cup and Closing Date

Mark your calendars for closing day and the annual Slush Cup on Sunday, March 15, 2026, the grand finale of our winter season.

What is the Slush Cup?

A fan-favorite tradition, the Slush Cup challenges skiers and snowboarders to make it across a giant pond of icy water—often in the most outrageous costumes possible! Whether you're competing or just cheering from the sidelines, it’s a guaranteed good time.

Event Details:

Date: Sunday, March 15th (Last day of the season!)

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Location: Hickory Hills, Magna Carta

Cost: FREE

Want to Compete? Here’s What You Need to Know:

Registration: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in the lodge (same-day only).

Waivers Required: All participants must sign a waiver. Under 18? A parent or guardian must complete a release of liability at registration.

Equipment Rules: No rental equipment allowed.

Gear Up! Helmets are recommended, no poles allowed.

Costumes Encouraged! The more creative, the better!

Competitors get one chance to make it across the pond. Will you sink or skim your way to glory?

Either way, it’s an unforgettable way to close out the season!

Come celebrate with us, whether you’re taking the plunge or just soaking in the fun. See you at Hickory Hills for the Slush Cup—where winter ends with a splash!

Closing Day Specials

Hot Chocolate and Pop: Free

All Remaining Candy, Chips, and Baked Goods: $1 each

Hot Dogs: $2

Burgers: $5

KIDS CREEK RESTORATION CONTINUES
ELEVENTH STREET CULVERT

At their Monday, March 16, 2026 meeting, the City Commission will consider approving a contract for construction of the Eleventh Street Kids Creek Culvert Project, advancing the next phase of the long-standing Kids Creek Restoration Project.

The project will replace the undersized culvert at the Eleventh Street crossing between Elmwood Avenue and Division Street, improving stream flow and addressing water quality concerns while restoring habitat for indigenous aquatic life. The work is part of a broader effort to support the eventual removal of Kids Creek from Michigan’s Impaired Waters List.

The City has partnered closely with The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay throughout the Kids Creek restoration effort. Through this collaboration, The Watershed Center secured a $550,000 Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Nonpoint Source grant to support replacement of the Eleventh Street culvert, while the City is providing local match funding and coordinating construction of the roadway and infrastructure improvements. If approved, the City would enter into a construction contract with Elmer’s Crane and Dozer, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $823,010.76, including contingency.

Beyond replacing aging infrastructure, the project also incorporates green infrastructure and stream restoration elements designed to improve stormwater management, restore natural stream function, and protect water quality within the Kids Creek watershed.

Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2026. The project reflects a continued regional commitment to restoring the health of Kids Creek through strong partnerships, strategic investments that align with the City's Strategic Action Plan, and long-term environmental stewardship.

2026 PAVEMENT PRESERVATION
OAK, SEVENTH, AND ELMWOOD

At their Monday, March 16, 2026 meeting, the City Commission will consider approving a construction contract for the City’s 2026 Pavement Preservation Mill and Overlay Project, an annual initiative focused on maintaining and extending the life of the City’s street network.

The 2026 project includes pavement improvements on several key streets, including:

• Oak Street (Seventh Street to Thirteenth Street)
• Seventh Street (Elmwood Avenue to Division Street)
• Elmwood Avenue (Eleventh Street to West Front Street)

The work will involve milling the existing asphalt surface and applying a new overlay, a cost-effective preservation technique that improves ride quality, extends pavement life, and helps reduce the need for more costly full street reconstruction in the future.

As discussed during the January 26, 2026 City Commission Study Session, the streets included in this year’s project will be repainted in their current configuration following construction. Future bicycle facility improvements will be evaluated once the Complete Streets Advisory Committee is formally established and begins prioritizing potential enhancements across the City.

Construction is anticipated to occur during the summer of 2026. Residents and visitors can expect temporary traffic impacts, including detours and lane closures, while work is underway. Additional details and project timelines will be communicated prior to construction.

The proposed contract, with Elmer’s Crane and Dozer, Inc., is for an amount not to exceed $1,319,475.75, which includes a 10% contingency. Funding for the project is allocated through the Street Capital Fund.

TEMPORARY ODOR CONTROL SYSTEM SHUT OFF
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

Residents and businesses may notice increased odors in the vicinity of the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant as contractors shut down the odor control unit as part of the Headworks and Ultra Violet (UV) Disinfection Improvement Project. These activities are part of the ongoing modernization of the facility and are anticipated to continue through April 2, 2026.

During certain phases of construction, equipment and processes that are normally enclosed may be temporarily exposed or shut down, which can result in temporary increases in odor that may be noticeable in areas surrounding the Wastewater Treatment Plant. These conditions are temporary and are a normal part of conducting critical infrastructure improvements.

Work is weather dependent and modifications to the schedule may be necessary. The City and its contractors are working to complete this work as efficiently as possible while minimizing impacts to the community.

We would like to thank residents and businesses for their patience and understanding as these important upgrades to the City’s wastewater infrastructure move forward.

THE PERFORMANCE 2025

A YEAR IN REVIEW

The City has released the Performance 2025: A Year in Review, its annual report showcasing key accomplishments, major projects, and community-centered results from the past year.

With the adoption of the City's first Strategic Action Plan in 2025, notable achievements include core services and strategic investments, including:

• A $35.5 million investment to modernize the Wastewater Treatment Plant and strengthen long-term system resilience
• Transportation and mobility improvements guided by the Mobility Action Plan and a newly adopted Complete Streets Policy
• The opening of the $10 million fully electric Senior Center—the first of its kind in Michigan
• Continued advancement of FishPass, which reached a major milestone in early 2026 with in-stream components 50 percent complete
• Strategic investments in parks, housing, and environmental sustainability

TELL US YOUR IDEAS
LOW COST & BIG IMPACT

Through the adoption of the City's Strategic Action Plan, a theme from the more than 1,500 residents emerged clearly: our community has an appetite for thoughtful experimentation, piloting creative ideas that strengthen local identity, connect neighbors, and create welcoming gathering spaces.

The City is now inviting residents to share creative, community-centered ideas for City-owned properties that are low-cost and high-impact. Concepts may include temporary activations, pop-ups, public art, tree planting campaigns, flexible gathering spaces, seasonal programming, or other innovative uses that enhance quality of life for residents.

Through this effort, the City hopes to test new approaches and explore ideas that help strengthen community connection and belonging.