What began with a dream in Emmett Township is now a vibrant reality thanks to years of careful planning, local dedication, and a timely infusion of philanthropic support.

After much vision and now community investment, Emmett Township recently completed major upgrades to its township park. With a new walking trail, a shaded pavilion, and renewed community energy, the park has quickly become a treasured gathering place not just for Emmett residents, but for visitors from surrounding towns as well.

“This was years of planning and groundwork,” said Scott Mueller, Chair of the Emmett Township Parks Committee. “We knew this park had the potential to better serve our residents, but we didn’t have the resources to make it happen on our own. Now, it’s become a space for connection, play, and camaraderie.”

From Vision to Action

For small and rural communities like Emmett Township, planning and executing capital improvement projects can be daunting. While local leaders often have a clear vision and community support, there simply aren’t enough staff to write recreation plans, apply for state or federal grants, and manage project logistics.

Recognizing that gap, the Community Foundation of St. Clair County stepped in with a targeted grant to provide the Township with vital capacity-building support. Through the grant, Emmett Township engaged two consultants who helped craft a five-year Parks and Recreation plan, developed initial project designs, and assisted with competitive grant applications.

While the Township initially applied for state-level support, those grants were ultimately not awarded. But that disappointment turned into an opportunity when local funders stepped in. With layered funding led by one of our family donor-advised funds at the Community Foundation of St. Clair County and funding from the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan’s Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Legacy Fund, and financial investment from Emmett Township itself, the vision finally took shape.

Building Community, One Trail at a Time

Today, visitors to the park can enjoy a shaded, accessible walking trail that loops for a third of a mile—perfect for strolls, exercise, or simply enjoying the natural surroundings. A newly constructed pavilion now offers a gathering space for picnics, family events, or a shady seat for parents watching their children play.

The pavilion and path have also become a community hub for a weekly farmers market, allowing the local vendors to line up around the new pathway to display and sell their goods. Just recently, the township hosted a car show that attracted 70 people and 37 cars to Township Hall, highlighting the renewed excitement around the park.

“There’s a buzz here now that didn’t exist before,” said Mueller. “At one car show, a man who makes signs met a young woman who does pinstriping. They’re now collaborating and teaching their skills to each other. That’s the kind of connection that happens when people gather and talk—and now we have a place where that can happen.”

A Ripple Effect of Generosity

Momentum from the park improvements has already sparked further generosity. Inspired by the excitement around the new trail, the Township Treasurer personally donated half the cost of a new playground feature—a moveable airplane, almost like a teeter totter, that delights the park’s youngest visitors.

And because of the abundance of natural tree shade—something unique among local parks—the space has even begun drawing visitors from neighboring communities like Capac.

“This project is a perfect example of rural philanthropy,” said Jackie Hanton, Vice President of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County. “Our strategic focus on rural parts of the county is about more than just writing checks. It’s about building local capacity and listening to what’s meaningful to each community. For Emmett, that meant helping to spark a project that residents had dreamed of for years.”

Looking to the Future

With the trail and pavilion complete, Emmett Township isn’t slowing down. The Parks Committee is already thinking ahead, with hopes to involve local scout troops, 4-H clubs, and other civic groups in future improvement projects.

“We’re just getting started,” said Mueller. “This experience has shown what’s possible when we have the right support. We’re excited for what’s next.”

To support or learn more about our small town and rural projects, contact Natacha at (810)984-4761 or natacha@stclairfoundation.org.