With the acquisition of the former coal dock in 2016, Rotary and the Discovery Center ~ Great Lakes plan to develop the Discovery Pier to meet the growing need for access to and education about the waters of Grand Traverse Bay. Local marinas have waiting lists for boat slips, and people in our community who are economically disadvantaged have less and less access to the water and its many benefits. There is a need for more public access to the public asset that is Grand Traverse Bay.
Interactive Google Map
The Harbor will provide public access to our shared waters and to water-related programming. With the Pier, the Discovery Center will be able to expand its water-based experiential learning programs for families and other community groups, provide more waterfront access and affordable or free activities, and nurture a community-wide attitude of stewardship of the Great Lakes.
The Discovery Pier will be the first phase of a long-range expansion at the Discovery Center, which will eventually include an energy-efficient, green-design facility that will provide shared space for the partner organizations to collaborate in fulfilling their individual and collective missions.