A public groundbreaking ceremony will take place Tuesday at 2pm at Hickory Hills to celebrate the start of construction of a new ski lodge at the city-owned park.

Preliminary site work and engineering is already underway on the project, which includes not only the construction of the lodge but numerous improvements throughout the park. Other improvements include renovated parking, a maintenance facility, expanded alpine and freestyle skiing runs, Nordic and hiking trails, a sledding hill, expanded disc golf, and a new entrance.

Nonprofit group Preserve Hickory raised over $2 million dollars during a capital campaign for the upgrades, with the City of Traverse City contributing $1.5 million from its Brown Bridge Trust Parks Improvement Fund. Another $275,000 came from city-sponsored state and federal grants and financial support for the maintenance facility.

“Preserve Hickory built upon the legacy, traditions, and memories created at Hickory Hills since its inception in 1952,” says Preserve Hickory President Laura Ness. “For those who have experienced Hickory Hills, they understand its importance within the fabric of the community and want that experience for future families and generations”.

The park upgrades are expected to be complete by next winter’s ski season.