Parks & Recreation Department

About Parks and Recreation

Powell Township Parks and Recreation is a volunteer committee consisting of 8 township residents and meets the second Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm – the public is welcome.

The committee oversees the planning and care of the townships 3 parks as well as the Fire on the Bay fireworks display, July 4th Kids Games, Music in the Park Events, Easter Egg Hunt, Lighting of the Tree Event, and Holiday Soft Ball Games.

Parks and Recreation Committee are looking for members and VOLUNTEERS!

Volunteers are always welcome to help with events. One doesn’t have to be a committee member to be a volunteer. It’s another way to get to know the community

Click here for the latest Big Bay Events Newsletter and attachments:

[Newsletter] 11/17/2023

[Newsletter] 10/16/2023

[Newsletter] 9/13/2023

[Newsletter] 7/31/2023 [Attachment 1] [Attachment 2]

Big Bay Trail Opening

Fire On the Bay 2022

The Powell Township’s Parks & Recreation Committee announces the 28th Annual Fire on the Bay will be held on July 9th, 2022. Rain date is set for July 16th, 2022. The fireworks display will begin at dusk and lasts approximately half an hour. Fireworks are traditionally fired from the north side of Big Bay Harbor on Lake Superior. Spectator areas will be on the public beach and the Harbor area. Spectator areas will be on the public beach and the Harbor area. Due to the large crowds, the Beach turn-around will be blocked off to motorized vehicles at the Marina. Handicapped Parking will be available at the Marina/Harbor. There will be limited roadside parking, so consider walking to the beach from the downtown area.

NO ALCOHOL OR PETS ARE PERMITTED AT THE FIREWORKS

(There will be on-site enforcement).

We have had great support from the community in raising funds for the fireworks. All Donations from last year are still being held for Fire on the Bay. Donations are accepted all year round. Please mail or drop off donations to the Treasurer PO Box 38 Big Bay, MI 49808 and include in the memo “Fire on the Bay”.

Summer Concert Series 2022

We were able to hold one concert this summer in Draver Park on September 18th, 2021. The John Prine Tribute resonated through the community. Music filled the air and somewhere between 400- 500 people shared the evening. We will begin planning for next year’s series of 4 concerts soon so let us know about your ideas as to music and how to upgrade the programs.

Our Parks

A valuable tool has been created in partnership with the Big Bay Stewardship and CREST to welcome folks to the trails and our community. We are joining a national effort to Leave No Trace as people explore our community.

Thomas Rock Overlook

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.

Burn's Landing

Burns Landing & Boardwalk: Located on county road KF the site is the location of the original settler’s cabin, picnic area and board walk to the beach. Current projects are the restoration of the cabin, extension of the boardwalk and pavilion at the beach. Recently the Parks and Recreation Committee received the Michigan Township Participating Plan Grant for Burn’s Landing Security Lighting.

Draver Park

Draver Park & Pavilion: Located across the street from the Powell Township Post office on Hoffman Street. The Park contains the Soft Ball Field, Food Stand, Playground equipment and public restrooms. The committee is working on a plan to bring the playground equipment up to current safety and ADA standards.

Powell Township Recreational Trail Network

The Parks and Rec. with Big Bay Pathways has been awarded multiple grants to improve the Powell Township Recreational Trail Network. The recent grant is from the CUPPAD for $1500 for a communication board. This board will be for neighborhood news. The locations will be outside Post Office and the Halfway FireHall Also received is $1500 from Marquette Community Foundation for trail grooming and $10,000 from the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community for trail grooming and equipment. We appreciate all the help and funding to improve our trails that the community can better enjoy the wonderful place we live. Follow us on Facebook as the Big Bay Pathway

Volunteers Needed!

The 510 Trail Builders are looking for Volunteers to work on the trails. New equipment has come in to work with but also if you have a favorite rake or tool you are welcome to bring it. Please contact the Noquemanon Trails Network at Noquetrails.org.

Parks and Recreation 5-year Plan

“The Parks & Recreation Plan is a guide for the upkeep and future development of parks and recreational facilities for the community of Powell Township. The development of this plan was initiated by the Powell Township Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of the Powell Township Recreation Committee. In 2019 this plan was updated with revised goals and strategies that will allow the Powell Township Officials to continue to invest wisely and strategically in their recreational assets. The revised goals and strategies in this plan are the results of several community input sessions. Some of those sessions were prompted around this 5-year recreation plan and included a student survey at the school and a community open house and public input session. Other community input sessions resulted from the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST), brought to Powell Township from the Lundin Foundation to grow the economic resiliency of Powell Township with sustainable, recreational tourism, through marketing and branding as the Lundin owned Eagle Mine prepares for its eventual closure.”

Updated 2020-2025 Parks and Recreation Plan – [view] Approved January 21st, 2020