Daily Archive

Last night city planner Russ Soyring, along Becky Ewing of Rotary Charities and Kathy Huschke of the Oleson Foundation and myself, went to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund meeting to make the final pitch for the city’s bayfront project.  This morning the Trust Fund approved a $450,000 grant to Traverse City for phase 1 of the bayfront revitilization. 

Along with a DDA match of $450,000, this $900,000 project will fund the children’s natural play area, splash pad, universal access to the boat ramp and the beach, kayak and canoe launch, widening of the TART trail, and other user friendly features.  We are also working on funding for the restroom/changing house in that location.  As long as the Legislature approves all MNRTF pass through funding in January (this happens every year), we hope to get work going on this project next year.  We are also busy seeking other sources of funds, and hope to have more news on that soon too. 

Thanks for this effort go especially to the volunteer bayfront steering group of the TC parks and recreation commission and the liaisons from other boards – Nate Elkins, the chair, Mike Jackson, Jennifer Jaffe, and Jim Carruthers.  Thanks also to city staff team led by Russ Soyring for excellent work on the proposal, and to our legislative representatives for their support.  Thanks also to the MNRTF board and in particular TC area resident and board member Keith Charters.  Look for more good news on the project in the months to come.