Parks & Recreation
Looking to get outside? There's a variety of public parkland for your enjoyment in Garfield Township!
ALERT: This spring and summer ticks are expected to be bad ...
Due to Michigan's unseasonably warm and wet winter coupled with an early spring, experts from the National Pest Management Association said Michigan is predicted to see an influx of ticks. The following tips will help you avoid ticks:
- Don't stray from the trail
- Be extra vigilant in warmer months
- Do a "tick check" after every outdoor outing
- Shower within two hours after coming inside
- Use insect repellent
RESERVE A TOWNSHIP PARK FACILITY
Some Township park facilities are available for you to reserve for a group event by submitting a Park Reservation Application. Facilities available to reserve include picnic pavilions and athletic fields at Silver Lake Recreation Area and River East Recreation Area, which should be ready for reservations by 2024. Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Before submitting your application, we recommend that you call the Township at 231-941-1620 to verify that the facility you would like to reserve is available.
TOWNSHIP PARKS
Garfield Township offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities in its parks. Click on each link below to find out more information about that specific park.
Boardman Valley Nature Preserve - Map
Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area - Map
Miller Creek Nature Reserve - Map
River East Recreation Area - Map
Silver Lake Recreation Area - Map
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.
TOWNSHIP TRAILS
If you are looking for a long walk or a bike ride, check out these trails located in Garfield Township: Boardman Lake Trail, Buffalo Ridge Trail, and the Mall Trail. Also, take a look at the Township's Non-Motorized Plan Map to see where there are potential opportunities for future sidewalks and trails.
2023-2027 PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
GRAND TRAVERSE COMMONS NATURAL AREA DESIGN PLAN
Garfield Township has adopted a Parks and Recreation Master Plan to help guide the future of parks, trails, and recreation areas. The Plan was prepared in accordance with Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) requirements to maintain the Township's eligibility to apply for MDNR grant programs.
The Plan includes a description and inventory of current parks, goals and objectives for the park system, and recommended improvements and implementation items over the next few years. The Plan was created with the input of the public including through a community survey and public open houses.
The Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area Design Plan was developed as a guide for the future of the Commons Natural Area including trails, trailheads, amenities, and environmental preservation. The Design Plan is included as part of the 2023-2027 Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
2023-2027 Parks and Recreation Master Plan - adopted January 10, 2023
Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area Design Plan - adopted January 10, 2023