MyNorth News Service

(Press Release provided by Traverse City and Garfield Recreational Authority)

TRAVERSE CITY: Curious about all the activity in and around those big old barns at the Grand Traverse Commons? The free community open house will celebrate the latest redevelopment work at the former State Hospital farm, including the renovated event space in the majestic Cathedral Barn and a ribbon cutting for the Botanic Garden’s new Silo Pool and Fountain.

A behind-the-scenes look at the ongoing redevelopment of Historic Barns Park will be held on Sunday, May 31 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Open to the public, the free Open House is a great opportunity to learn more about park projects and activities. Food vendors, family-friendly activities and live music will be available throughout the day.

Once the agricultural area for the former Traverse City State Hospital, Historic Barns Park is being redeveloped into a unique multi-use public park that includes space for agriculture, horticulture, recreation, education and community events. The 56-acre park is owned and managed by the joint Traverse City/Garfield Township Recreational Authority, with management and programming assistance from three community nonprofit organizations, the Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, SEEDS and the Traverse City Community Garden. Docents and representatives from park programs will be on hand to give tours and answer questions.

The Open House will kick off at 12 noon with a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of the Botanic Garden’s new Silo Pool and Fountain, which utilizes the foundation of one of the farm’s original grain silos. There will also be a bonsai exhibit in the Visitor Center meeting room. Some of the free children’s activities will include face painting, nature crafts, coloring and wagon rides.

Historic Barns Park sits on the northwest corner of the intersection of Silver Lake Road and Franke Road/Silver Drive. Day-of-event parking is available at the nearby Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District (TBAISD) on Red Drive. Shuttles will be available between the park and TBAISD. For more information, visit www.historicbarnspark.com or call 231-929-3696.

Photo(s) by Alison Metiva