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Petoskey council discusses possible land swap with school district for Turcotte Field
Summary
Council opened discussion on a potential land-swap and DNR conversion that would transfer Turcotte Field into city ownership in exchange for Curtis Field. The exchange is at the exploratory stage; staff noted a 6'month to 9'month conversion process and that deed-restriction and reverter issues are being cleared by legal counsel.
The Petoskey City Council spent part of its July 20 meeting discussing a proposed land-swap and Michigan Department of Natural Resources conversion involving Turcotte Field and Curtis Field. The discussion was exploratory: city staff and school-district representatives outlined potential benefits and asked for council direction before committing significant staff time to the conversion process.
City manager noted the DNRs conversion process requires a like-for-like appraisal and an extended review; staff estimated the conversion would likely take six to nine months. School representatives said the swap could allow better long-term recreational uses and improved athletic facilities for the district; district representatives emphasized they intend to keep the land designated for recreation.
Council members asked for further detail before moving ahead, including confirmation that any reverter clause or deed restriction tied to original donations would be cleared, estimates of costs the city might incur for legal review and conversion work, and clarification about utilities and maintenance responsibilities if ownership changes. School and city staff said legal title work and publication steps are already in process to clear reverter concerns.
Several community members spoke in support of keeping the fields available for public use; a long-time Curtis Field user described the site as a vital, safe place for walking and community activity. The council took no formal vote and asked staff and counsel to continue the review and return with more detail.
