Bay City Downtown Development Authority and Leadership Bay County Launch Tree Planting Project in Downtown Bay City

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Annabelle Schweiger, Marketing and Communications Manager

Annabelle@baycityarea.com

989.893.4567

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 22, 2025

Bay City Downtown Development Authority and Leadership Bay County

Launch Tree Planting Project in Downtown Bay City

BAY CITY, MI – This week marks the official launch of a collaborative revitalization effort between the Bay City Downtown Development Authority and the Leadership Bay County Class of 2025, a program of the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Together, they are working to enhance Downtown Bay City’s main corridor through a community-driven beautification project that begins with tree planting along Washington Avenue and continues northward through Water Street.

With guidance from local experts and the support of city partners and contractors, this initiative aims to enrich the character of Bay City’s historic downtown by adding natural beauty, creating a more inviting atmosphere, and supporting long-term environmental sustainability. The project reflects Leadership Bay County’s longstanding mission to make a lasting, visible impact in the community through hands-on leadership and civic engagement.

Kellie Rupp, Marketing Director for Downtown Bay City, shared, “We’re so happy the Leadership Bay County class chose the DDA's Downtown tree replacement proposal as their class project! Replacing the trees in our Downtown isn’t just about looks, it’s about keeping our community vibrant, comfortable, and as welcoming as ever. It also addresses issues with diseased trees and those with root issues which cause safety issues with sidewalks. These new trees will bring shade, character, and help make our streets more inviting and our environment healthier for generations to come.”

The selected tree for the project is the American Sentry Linden, chosen for its uniform, upright, and narrow growth habit, making it ideal for smaller landscapes and urban settings. These trees are drought tolerant once established and provide valuable support for pollinators, contributing to a healthier ecosystem. Additionally, their well-structured, deep root system helps prevent sidewalk upheaval and infrastructure damage, making them a smart, sustainable choice for enhancing walkability and preserving the integrity of Bay City’s downtown streetscape.

To complement the new plantings, each tree will be surrounded by Rock Pave- a durable, seamless, and permeable surface made from natural stone and recycled glass. This innovative material not only offers an attractive finish but also supports water drainage and sustainability goals.

Local business owner Brandi Munroe of Munroe Salon shared, “As a business owner in downtown Bay City, I think green spaces and trees make a huge difference. They bring life to the area, make it more inviting for people to hang out and shop, and show that we care about keeping our community healthy and beautiful.”

Tara Marczak, Project Coordinator for the Class of 2025, reflected, “We are thrilled with the Beautification of Downtown Bay City project and believe it will leave a long-lasting mark on our community for residents and visitors to enjoy for generations to come. The LBC class members played integral roles over the past several months throughout the fundraising and planning process, raising over $28,000 to go towards the project. The vision presented to us by the Downtown Development Authority is coming to fruition, and we are excited to share this project with our community.”

Leadership Bay County is a 9-month program that empowers professionals to understand critical community issues, develop leadership skills, and implement projects that create meaningful change. This tree planting initiative aligns closely with the program’s mission and the city’s long-term goals for sustainability and placemaking.

The public is encouraged to follow the progress over the coming weeks as work continues north along Washington Avenue. Updates can be found on the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.



For more information about Leadership Bay County, and to apply for next year's class, visit the Chamber website.