$1.6M TAP trail grant for Eastern Washtenaw Recreation Center
Washtenaw County
Summary
After years of waiting, east-side residents finally saw real movement: an $18M borrowing intent passed unanimously and the board reaffirmed the project as a top priority. The 65,000-sq-ft center with a pool, gym, and community space is targeted to open January 2028.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 7
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Sep 2, 2026.
Impact analysis
Up to $18 million in new county borrowing, with the debt payment source still being worked out internally.
Eastern county residents — especially youth and families in Ypsilanti-area communities long underserved by recreation facilities.
Parks staff concerned about strain on trails, natural areas, and aging infrastructure elsewhere.
Mentions & discussions (7)
Board of Commissioners Working Session - Sep 2, 2026
The county won a $1.6 million federal TAP grant to build about a mile of ten-foot concrete path linking the new rec center at Clark and Dawn roads to neighborhoods, the skate park, the library, and schools in Ypsilanti and Superior Townships. Construction is targeted for late 2027 or 2028.
Board of Commissioners - Jun 3, 2026
The $49 million rec center is on track: design plans are in review, a construction manager is hired, and groundbreaking is expected this fall, with a $1.3 million annual bond payment now budgeted.
Board of Commissioners - May 6, 2026
County administrators presented a funding and bonding strategy for the new Eastern Washtenaw Community Recreation Center, proposing an $18 million bond to keep construction on schedule.
Board of Commissioners - Apr 15, 2026
After years of waiting, east-side residents finally saw real movement: an $18M borrowing intent passed unanimously and the board reaffirmed the project as a top priority. The 65,000-sq-ft center with a pool, gym, and community space is targeted to open January 2028.
Board of Commissioners - Mar 18, 2026
The county's roughly $50 million rec center is moving toward a summer groundbreaking, with a funding framework likely involving bonding. It's a long-awaited amenity for eastern county residents.
Board of Commissioners Working Session - Mar 18, 2026
Administrator Greg Dill reported the roughly $50 million rec center project is moving through design with a goal of breaking ground this summer.
Board of Commissioners - Jan 21, 2026
Comm. Sanders forcefully defended the long-delayed East Side rec center against a parks employee's concerns about strain on other park operations, citing $30 million in state funding and a 30-year effort to serve the county's east side.
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