Our June/July theme is “A Grand Place for Summer Fun.” There’s a lot going on in the county to make this place safe and even more fun to celebrate the season in. These are a few of the top stories of the summer:
Civic Center Park Upgrades
The Civic Center is getting a significant overhaul to make it an even better resource for citizens. These are a few of the upgrades being made:
Replacement of the Civic Center walking track - Spring/Summer 2025
Replace the walking track surface with new asphalt, remove and replace the existing end-of-life pedestrian bridge, and identify and properly sign an ADA accessible route
Addition of a crosswalk at Beadle Street
Project fully funded through Michigan Spark Grant
Pave parking lot near Civic Center amphitheater - Spring/Summer 2025
Replace gravel surface with asphalt
Replace a portion of the adjacent driveway to increase life span
Addition of connections to walking track and a crosswalk at Civic Center Drive
Project fully funded through Michigan Spark Grant
Add seven fitness stations along the walking track - Spring 2025
Park signage replacement - Spring 2025
The paths are now complete and the new bridge should be opened to pedestrian traffic soon. Concrete work for ADA ramps and crossings has been done as well, and now the team moves onto paving the pavilion parking lot and putting the final layer of asphalt on the entrance at Titus. Thanks for hanging in there with us, we're so excited to share the final results with you! In fact, on Friday the 27th we're hosting a Food Truck Friday at the southeast side of the park near the playground- why not come out, grab a drink or a bite, and check out the upgrades?
YMCA’s Partner of the Year Award
Grand Traverse County officials recently received Grand Traverse Bay YMCA’s ‘Partner of the Year’ Award during a celebration breakfast. John Chase, Director of Grand Traverse County Parks and Facilities, and Chris Forsyth, Deputy County Administrator, were on hand to receive the award.
"This was our fourth annual Gratitude Breakfast where we acknowledge staff, volunteers, donors and partners with a free and fun breakfast event. We acknowledged Grand Traverse County for the great relationship we have had with them for almost 10 years. The breakfast is not a fundraiser but rather a thank you and celebration of those who invest in the mission of the Y and the greater community," said Andy Page with Grand Traverse Bay YMCA.
“We have had a great collaboration with the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA since 2016 to support Easling Pool at Civic Center Park. Both teams work closely together, and we are honored to be recognized as the YMCA Partner of the Year for 2025. There is a synergistic fit between our organizations with each focused on using our strengths to create happy and healthy communities. The YMCA brings expertise in programming, from learn-to-swim programs, masters swim, safety around water, aqua fitness, and much more. These services would not be possible without their involvement. We are happy to work together to keep this important resource available for the benefit of our residents,” said John Chase, Grand Traverse County Parks and Facilities Director.
This award is further proof that Grand Traverse County is a grand place to live, work, and play.
New Septic Ordinance
Grand Traverse County has taken a significant step to protect both its residents and cherished waters by unanimously approving a new countywide septic regulation—its first of its kind. This forward-thinking decision lays the groundwork for systematically evaluating septic systems located near lakes, rivers, and other water bodies. While the measure may seem narrow, the impact is anything but. With 132 miles of scenic shoreline, more than 146 named lakes, and two major rivers, the county is demonstrating bold leadership in the absence of a statewide septic code—prioritizing public health and the long-term vitality of our freshwater resources.
Starting January 1, 2026, any property with a septic system located within 300 feet of surface water—defined as lakes, ponds, streams, or rivers—must undergo an evaluation before it can be sold or transferred. The Grand Traverse County Health Department will oversee enforcement of this new requirement. This isn’t just a procedural update; it’s a vital public health measure. Functional septic systems play a crucial role in preventing harmful pathogens and pollutants from reaching our waters, helping ensure clean, safe water for generations to come.
Public Beach Monitoring
The Grand Traverse County Health Department's (GTCHD) Environmental Health Division collaborates with the Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay to safeguard the well-being of various public beaches across the county. Water samples are collected and then analyzed for E. coli to ensure that the water is safe for people. Reports are constantly updated on our website for safety on the water.
Access Water Reports Here.
Recess Event on June 4 and No Recess in July:
Recess is an afterwork networking event for business professionals in Grand Traverse County. Recess 2025 is brought to you by us. Our theme this year is “Grand Traverse County: A grand place to live, work and play.” At each Recess we will be delivering Public Service Announcements relevant to what’s going on in the county that month.
In June and July our mini theme is “A Grand Place for Summer Fun”. John Chase our Director of Parks and Facilities, gave an update on happenings at parks in Grand Traverse County. And Brent Wheat, our Environmental Health Director, spoke on the new septic ordinance and water testing. Recess will pause in July and the August event will be held at our very own Civic Center!