The Powell Township Parks and Recreation Committee is a volunteer committee consisting of eight Powell Township residents. The Committee meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 P.M. The public is always welcome. The Committee oversees the planning and care of the township’s parks, the annual July 4th events, the mid-July Fire on the Bay fireworks display, the Music in the Park and Summer Concert Series, the Easter Egg Hunt, the Lighting of the Holiday Tree, holiday softball games and tournaments, and work/volunteer sessions for the township’s trails and gardens.
POWELL TOWNSHIP 2026-2030 RECREATION PLAN AVAILABLE
View the 2026-2030 Recreation Plan here or contact the Parks and Recreation Committee at parksandrec@powelltownship.org. All contact options and/or business hours to make requests in person are available on the Contact Us page.
The Powell Township 2026-2030 Recreation Plan is a guide for the upkeep and future development of Powell Township parks and recreation facilities. This plan was initiated by the Powell Township Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Committee. The Powell Township Board approved the 2026-2030 Recreation Plan for use on January 20, 2026, to enable continued wise and strategic investments in the township’s rich recreational assets. The plan’s revised goals and strategies are the result of several community input sessions. To review the draft Plan, click here, or contact the Parks and Recreation Committee at parksandrec@powelltownship.org. All contact options and/or business hours to make requests in person are available on the Contact Us page.
THE ANNUAL BIG BAY RELAY IS MAY 16, 2026
What is the Big Bay Relay? Teams come together to go further than they ever have on a course that stretches from Marquette, Michigan, to Big Bay, Michigan, with friends and a community of runners by their side. Your relay experience is as competitive as you make it. Rally your team and challenge the other teams in your division for the top ranking, or simply make it your goal to cross the finish line together! The Big Bay Relay is about coming together as a team and going further than you could as an individual. From an elite runner to the novice runner, Big Bay Relay is the perfect race for anyone.
When Is It?
- The 48th Annual Race will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026
- Starts at 8:00 A.M., at the Kaufman Sports Complex, Marquette, Michigan
- Finishes at Perkins Park, Big Bay, Michigan
How It Works: Teams are composed of five runners for adults and up to seven for youth teams. Teams cover 26-ish miles, starting in Marquette, MI and ending in Big Bay, MI. Runners run approximately 1 mile each before handing the baton to a teammate and resting until it is their turn again. While one person is running, the rest of your teammates are on support duty in your race vehicle. As each runner begins, the crew in the vehicle drives ahead and meets them at the exchange point to pick them up and drop off the next runner.Race HistoryIn spring of 1972, Marquette held its first Big Bay Relay coordinated by Race Director Karen Kunkle and her husband Jack. The first race brought only ten relay teams and has grown to include over fifty teams in the past several years. A note in the Upper Peninsula Road Runners Club named the Big Bay Relay the 1990 Race of the Year.Some relay teams have been racing for more than 20 years and hold a special place as part of the annual race’s history. If you are an elite runner who wants to compete, or a group of friends that want to try something adventurous, this picturesque relay is for you. For 47 years the Big Bay Relay has been uniting community members, families and friends, and we want you to be a part of this year’s race!
YOU ARE INVITED – 32ND ANNUAL FIRE ON THE BAY – JULY 11, 2026
The Township receives great support from the community in raising funds for the fireworks and is grateful for all event supporters. THANK YOU! Fire On the Bay donations are accepted year-round and are used solely for the annual event. You can use the code below, or mail any donations to: Powell County Treasurer, P.O. Box 38, Big Bay, Michigan, 49808 and include in the memo “Fire on the Bay,” or drop donations off at Powell Township Hall offices (or the drop box outside of the offices), or donate online at https://givebutter.com/OI2fue.
2025’s FIRE ON THE BAY: July 12 was the First Concert at the Beachside Pavilion, Ending with Fireworks Over the Bay
- Powell Township’s Parks & Recreation Committee hosted the 31st Annual Fire on the Bay on Saturday, July 12, 2025.
- The concert was at the beach pavilion located at the Burns Landing boardwalk’s end.
- This was the first night of electricity use — for gathering, burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, drinks, sweatshirt sales, and boardwalk string lights — in and around the restored LeClair Cabin and Burns Landing areas.
- The band “Ramble Tamble” headlined and played to the beach, multiple bonfires, and lake (swimming/boating) crowds for over 2.5 hours.
- Fireworks followed, and swimmers, boaters, and the shore crowd along Mino kwe Jiigibiik were treated to good weather during the display.
- Township members and volunteers rounded out the event Sunday morning with an early beach cleanup event.
POWELL TOWNSHIP TRAILS UPDATES:
Trail maps are available at Noquemanon Trail Network. Powell Township’s trails are part of this network. Additionally, a trails traffic report is available here.
PARKS AND RECREATION IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS!
Volunteers are always welcome to help with events. You do not have to be a committee member to be a volunteer. Volunteering is another way to get to know the community.
SAVE THE DATES
Powell Township residents, please keep these annual township events in mind. Further details, including times, are in local newsletters (including the site newsletter), on the site calendar, and/or will post as they become available.
- January: Thomas Rock Showshoe Event (3rd Saturday)
- February: Fishing Derby (2nd weekend)
- February: Honey Bear Classic Ski/Snowshoe Event (2nd weekend)
- April: Easter Egg Hunt (Saturday before Easter)
NOTE: 2026 EASTER EGG HUNT IS CANCELLED DUE TO COLD SEASON LOGISTICS ISSUES - May: Spring Cleanups, Dash for Trash, and Potlucks (1st week)
- May: Big Bay Relay (3rd Saturday)
- May: Memorial Day Tribute at Big Bay Cemetery
- June: Summer Concert Series season begins
- June: Park & Trail Recreation Network Volunteers Picnic
- July: 4th of July Parade
- July: Softball Tournament (weekend after July 4th)
- July: Fire on the Bay (2nd Saturday)
- August-September: Softball Tournament (Labor Day weekend)
- September: Fall Festival (3rd weekend)
- Fall – Spring: Community Dinners, Open Houses, and Food Banks
- December: Holiday Tree Lighting (1st Saturday)
Thomas Rock Scenic Overlook: This jewel of the township was completed in 2010 with a universally assessable trail, information signage, picnic area and composting facilities. Plans are in the works for adding to the surrounding area and establishing walking and non motorized trails.
Burns Landing & Boardwalk: Located on County Road KF, the site is the location of the original settler’s cabin, picnic area and boardwalk to the beach. Current projects are the restoration of the cabin and extension of the boardwalk and pavilion at the beach. The Parks and Recreation Committee recently received the Michigan Township Participating Plan Grant for Burns Landing Security Lighting.
Draver Park & Pavilion: Located across the street from the Powell Township Post office on Hoffman Street. The Park contains the softball field, playground equipment, and public restrooms. The Committee is working on a plan to bring the playground equipment up to current safety and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
Powell Township Recreational Trail Network
The Parks and Recreation Committee, along with Big Bay Pathways, has been awarded multiple grants to improve the Powell Township Recreational Trail Network. $10,000 was granted from the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community for trail grooming and equipment. CUPPAD granted $1500 for the communication boards for neighborhood news, located outside the Big Bay Post Office and at the Bill Dionne/Halfway Fire Hall. $1500 was also granted from the Marquette Community Foundation for trail grooming. We greatly appreciate all the help and funding to improve the trails for the community to enjoy in the wonderful place we live.
Volunteers Needed!
The 510 Trail Builders are looking for volunteers to work on the trails. New equipment is available, and if you have a favorite rake or tool, you are welcome to bring it. Please contact the Noquemanon Trails Network at noquetrails.org.
