Hickory Hills Master Plan: Phase 2
Contact
Parks & Recreation Division
Phone
(231) 922-4900
Project Timeline
Start: Summer 2022
The City of Traverse City, in partnership with Preserve Hickory, Norte, and local mountain bike riders, is moving forward with the Hickory Hills Master Plan, Phase 2, which prioritizes: accessibility, multi-purpose, and four-season use. Improvements to the Hickory Hills Recreation Area will build upon a four-seasons park for all to enjoy! Initial work will add snowmaking to the Nordic Trails in the woods area near the entrance, add snowmaking hydrants on Swede to improve snowmaking efficiency, and add a third booster pump to the snowmaking system.
"We are excited to continue the expansion of recreation opportunities which add to our summer operations and increase the visitor experience at Hickory Hills Recreation Area."
- Parks & Recreation Superintendent Michelle Hunt.
As part of Phase 2, a feasibility study is being conducted and a conceptual trail network designs developed. Based on previous community input, Mountain Biking Trails were identified as a desired amenity. A public survey has been launched and will run through August 2022 seeking input on a trail network conceptual map for designated Mountain Biking trails.
"The improvements over the last six years have been phenomenal. As outdoor fun and adventure demand continues to boom in the region, having three levels of dedicated mountain bike trails right out our back doors would be incredible."
- Committee member Gary Howe
Over $5 million has been invested at Hickory since 2017 to support park improvements including the new lodge and related infrastructure; new Nordic, alpine, and hiking trails; expanded disc golf; conveyor lift, and a sledding hill.
Funding
Phase 2 of the Hickory Hills Master Plan work is approximately $323,640. Preserve Hickory, our fundraising partner provided $260,745 which includes a $125,000 grant from the Great Lakes Sports Commission. A $50,000 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant was received, $7,500 from in-kind services from contractors, and $5,605 fund balance for the project.
An additional $28,465 in materials was provided from Traverse City Light & Power
$65,000 of the funds from Preserve Hickory are dedicated to improvements relating to Nordic Trail and Alpine Trail homologation to hold sanctioned events and summer use activities such as mountain bike trails which are in discussion.