Recreation Pulse
Discover Resources
Disability Network is committed to supporting individuals and families facing challenges. We understand the importance of movement and participation in recreational activities. Disability Network’s Recreation Pulse offers a resource for individuals seeking opportunities to engage in their communities. If you are a northern Michigan organization interested in sharing your free recreational events, please call us at (231) 922-0903. Join us and together we can continue to provide engaging recreation activities in your community.
Parks
Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation
1213 West Civic Center Drive
Traverse City, MI 49686
Joy 2 Ride Benzie
Post Office Box 262
Benzonia, MI 49616
(231) 651-0434
Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes | Track Chair Reservations
Post Office Box 545
Empire, MI 49630
(231) 631-4244
National Park Services | Sleeping Bear Dunes
9922 Front Street
Empire, MI 49630
(231) 326-4700
Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trails
Post Office Box 252
Traverse City, MI 49685
(231) 941-4300
Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park
1490 Red Drive
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 935-4077
Charlevoix Area Community Pool
11905 US-31
Charlevoix, MI 49720
Charlevoix Area Community Pool offers a Swimmers with Disabilities Program. This program encourages physical fitness, sports training and exercise for children and adults with intellectual disabilities within a relaxed atmosphere. Participants swim laps and work on stroke skills and endurance. If desired, individuals may pursue competition independently through Special Olympics. You do not need to be an accomplished swimmer, beginner swimmers are welcome. Although we do not provide an instructor, if an aide is required to assist a patron, the aide can swim free. The pool has a ramp and access to a water wheelchair.
Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy
2846 3 Mile Rd N
Traverse City, MI 49686
Contact:
Connor Sweeney
The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy hosts miles of trails throughout northwest lower Michigan.
Outdoor Recreation Activities
Discovery Center & Pier
13271 South West Bay Shore Drive
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 409-4285
The Lighthouse Adaptive Sports Program
4040 Beacon Street
Kingsley, MI 49649
(231) 263-1350
Norte | Bikes for All
1213 Civic Center Drive
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 883-2404
Art Activities
Traverse Area District Library | Talking Book Library
610 Woodmere Avenue
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 932-8558
Local Interpreter Services Network
2170 Traversefield Drive
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 932-2418
Record Eagle Newspaper
120 West Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 946-2187
Peer Support Activities
Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program | Disability Network Northern Michigan
415 E. Eighth Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 922-0903
Peer Group Offerings | Disability Network Northern Michigan
415 E. Eighth Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 922-0903
Independent Living Group | Disability Network Northern Michigan
415 E. Eighth Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 922-0903
Adaptive Equipment and Services
Bay Area Transportation Authority
Hall Street Transfer Station, 115 Hall Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 941-2324
Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council
Post Office Box 71
Middleville, MI 49333
(833) 808-7452
Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation
800 Cottageview Drive Suite 1040
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 935-4066
Recreation Pulse | Disability Network Northern Michigan
415 E. Eighth Street
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 922-0903
Northwest Michigan Works
1209 South Garfield Avenue Suite C
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 922-3700
Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency
3963 Three Mile Road
Traverse City, MI 49686
Spring and Summer Recreation Areas
Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy
Trails
Antrim County, Saint-Clair Lake - Six Mile Lake Nature Preserve
The .25-mile Mary Behrens Sorrell Trail at one of GTRLC’s oldest and most beloved preserves allows visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy this special place on the Chain of Lakes.
Benzie County, Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve
This preserve is home to the popular Overlook Trail at Arcadia Dunes, which includes a .5-mile trail leading from the Baldy parking lot to a stunning overlook of Lake Michigan. Be sure to visit this special trail throughout the year for different – but equally dazzling – experiences.
Grand Traverse County, Mitchell Creek Meadows: The Don and Jerry Oleson Nature Preserve
This property includes substantial acreage within the critical Mitchell Creek watershed and more than a mile of undeveloped frontage along several tributaries. Visitors can learn about and experience diverse, critical habitats while traversing the .75-mile Looyenga Family Trail. The trail includes sensitively designed boardwalk sections to protect fragile wetland habitats and offers several opportunities for viewing nature.
Pyatt Lake: The Bill Carls Nature Preserve
The mosaic of habitat types at Pyatt Lake offers refuge to a variety of animal and plant species. More than 250 plant species have been identified on the property, and each spring orchids and trillium carpet the ground in a sea of color. Migrating waterfowl use the lake as a resting area, and warblers, winter wrens, woodpeckers and owls flourish in the maturing forest. The property’s trail system contains a .4-mile section that provides access to this botanically rich and beloved preserve in the heart of the Old Mission Peninsula.
Manistee County, Arcadia Marsh
Arcadia Marsh Preserve, located just south of Arcadia, offers visitors access to a Great Lakes Coastal Marsh, a rare and declining natural community found only in Great Lakes coastal areas. The preserve includes roughly three-quarters of a mile of boardwalk trail that allows users to immerse themselves in the wonders of Arcadia Marsh. A series of bump-outs with benches, multiple elevated observation decks, and two small fishing piers add to the experience
Sleeping Bear Dunes Trails
Trails in Sleeping Bear Dunes often have steep slopes or sandy soil, which makes it difficult for some visitors to experience the natural environment or get to some of the spectacular vistas that others can hike. The Friends have purchased three track chairs to make available to visitors with limited mobility. Reservations for track chairs are open in the spring for visitors to reserve for FREE to hike select trails from Memorial Weekend to mid-October. A volunteer will arrange to meet with you, provide training, and accompany you and your friends or family on the Bay View Trail in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District or on the Railroad Grade Trail from the Platte River Campground. Reserve a Track Chair hike!