About the Non-Profit

As competition for limited City resources have increased over time, the viability of the park’s ski operations has been threatened.  Consistent with the spirit in which the park was developed and in response to changing times, Preserve Hickory was established as a 501.c.3 nonprofit in 2010 for the specific purpose of preserving the public park for affordable recreation for youth.

In 2011, the non-profit Preserve Hickory sponsored and published a pictorial history of Hickory Hills, Light the Night. The outpouring of stories and sentiment from the ski park were overwhelming, highlighting the heartfelt appreciation for Hickory’s legacy and tradition.

With increased public awareness and appreciation, Preserve Hickory began an organized effort to preserve the ski park and retain the affordability of skiing for youth despite increased costs and revenue shortfalls. From its inception, Preserve Hickory understood that a fresh perspective was needed to change the negative impression of some that Hickory was unworthy of continued municipal support.

Initially, Preserve Hickory’s focus was on preserving the ski hill.  It became clear, however, that a wider focus was necessary – one that encompassed the entire park and all of its users.  So in 2013, the non-profit championed a collaborative process culminating in a Master Plan.  A public/private partnership (Traverse City, Garfield Township, Preserve Hickory and Grand Traverse Ski Club) financed and led the two-year Master Plan process with significant public input. Approved by Traverse City and Garfield Township Joint Resolution in 2014, the plan proposes upgrading the 60-year old facilities yet maintains its rustic feel.

With a pledge of $1.5 million from the City’s Brown Bridge Trust Parks Improvement Fund, Preserve Hickory led the capital campaign, raising and leveraging over $5 million dollars for Hickory Hills.

Preserve Hickory Board of Directors

President, Co-Founder, and TreasurerLaura Ness
Vice PresidentMatthew Madion, M.D.
Secretary & Co-FounderMaureen Madion
DirectorRenee Huckle Mittlestaedt
DirectorMac McClelland

Light the Night

Light the Night is a beautiful, reminiscent story of the history of Hickory Hills. Told by two local high school students who learned to ski at Hickory, the pictorial history contains authentic photographs by local photographer, Jack Bensley, who captured and chronicled much of the area’s history, including the development of Hickory Hills and alpine skiing in Northern Michigan. His photographic collection has been made available through the generous contribution of the Bensley Family to preserve Hickory’s history. Without these and other images, this stunning, coffee-table book would not be possible. Also thank you to the many book sponsors.