Construction begins on Traverse City Area Public Schools project
Traverse City Area Public Schools is breaking ground on a new afterschool clubhouse and multi-purpose fieldhouse. The $17.5 million project represents a public-private partnership that district leaders say will create new opportunities for students and families.
The facility will offer indoor activities during the winter, along with summer camps, afterschool programs, and space for walking, running, and other community uses. Construction is expected to take about 14 months, with hopes of opening for the start of the 2027-28 school year.
First of its kind for Northern Michigan
District leaders called this project a first of its kind for the region. The public-private partnership made the facility possible through more than $8.5 million in donations from community groups, foundations, and private partners.
A game changer for kids
Dr. John Van Wagoner, TCAPS superintendent, said other communities downstate like the Grand Rapids area, Metro Detroit area, and Saginaw area have these types of facilities all over. Northern Michigan did not have them.
"This really is a game changer for really all the kids in Northern Michigan as we host opportunities and different events that will just make it a special place for kids," Van Wagoner said.
The district leaders said the new facility will be designed to serve both students and the broader community for years to come. The project is much more than a new building. It is about creating a place where students can learn, stay active, and have opportunities year-round.