Other Parks

In addition to the parks owned and operated by Garfield Township, there are many other parks located in the Township offering a variety of recreational opportunities. 

Map of All Local Parks - including Township-owned and operated and other parks

Joint Recreational Authority

The City of Traverse City and Charter Township of Garfield Recreational Authority was formed in 2003 under the Recreational Authorities Act of 2000, which permits two or more municipal bodies to form a joint authority for the purposes of acquiring, constructing, operating, maintaining or improving public parks, a public recreation center, a public auditorium, a public conference center, a public museum, or a public historic farm.

In 2004, Garfield Township and Traverse City voters approved a ballot measure to fund the acquisition and improvement of three properties under the guidance of the Joint Recreational Authority, two of which are located in Garfield Township:

• Hickory Meadows - This 112.5-acre parcel offers passive recreational opportunities including natural trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, nature watching.  Access is via Randolph Road or M-72.  Parking is available, but restrooms are not.  Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.  Map of Hickory Meadows

• Historic Barns Park - Portions of this 54-acre property were once used by State Hospital patients for farming activities as a form of therapy.  The Cathedral Barn and surrounding Botanic Garden are now event venues available for weddings, receptions, meetings, and other gatherings.  For information on renting these facilities, please visit their respective websites (Cathedral Barn website) (Botanic Garden website).  Access is via Silver Drive.  Restrooms are not presently available on site.

Joint Recreational Authority website

Joint Recreational Authority parks brochure

Boardman River Nature Center - Website

Located at the Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve, this facility is operated by the Grand Traverse Conservation District who provides environmental education programming.

Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve - Website

Owned by Grand Traverse County, this 505-acre site preserves the natural environment along the Boardman River and provides quiet recreational opportunities including hiking, canoeing, and bird watching.

Hickory Hills Recreation Area - Website

Owned by the City of Traverse City, Hickory Hills is mostly known for skiing but also includes tubing, disc golf, and other recreational amenities.

Keystone Soccer Complex - Website

Owned by Grand Traverse County, this 40-acre park is home to the soccer fields of the Traverse Bay Area Youth Soccer (TBAYS) organization.

Medalie Park - Website

Owned by Grand Traverse County, this 15-acre park at the south end of Boardman Lake has a canoe launch area, picnic shelter/pavilion, indoor restrooms, and a paved walking path.

Mitchell Creek Nature Preserve - Website

Owned by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and preserved as a nature sanctuary, there are no trails or infrastructure on this site, although certain types of hunting are permitted.