In small towns and rural communities, local leaders wear many hats. They serve as township supervisors, but also groundskeepers, clerks, and often parks and recreation coordinators, too. Although multitasking is a requirement of the job, it gives them a true pulse on what residents want to improve their communities.

So it was no surprise that when the Community Foundation asked rural and small town municipalities about their visions for public park and recreation spaces, their answers came quickly and enthusiastically—with a long wish list from 11 different communities in St. Clair County.

Rural communities know what they want and are willing to roll up their sleeves to get the work done; what they often lack is the extra capacity and financial boost to get across the finish line.

“I had a hand-drawn, kindergarten version of a “map” we made to show what our residents wanted to see at our township park space,” shared Connie Miller, Lynn Township Deputy Clerk. “But we didn’t have anything professional or a 5-year plan like most state-level grant applications require.”

That’s where the Community Foundation saw an opportunity to step in. As part of its ongoing strategic focus on rural communities, the Foundation provided a grant so rural communities could access two consultants to create five-year parks and recreation plans, design projects, and prepare competitive grant applications. This support helped bridge the capacity gap so that local leaders could keep doing their daily work while still advancing big, long-term goals for their towns.

Armed with this expertise, their natural persistence, community fundraising, and additional grant support, four communities—Emmett, Grant, Ira, and Lynn Township—completed the first phase of their outdoor recreation projects between this spring and fall. Together, these projects totaled more than $338,000 and demonstrated how layered funding—local dollars, community foundation support, and state-level grants—can make rural projects possible.

Emmett Township

Emmett Township transformed its park into a community hub with a new nature trail, pavilion, and picnic tables. The improvements provide a welcoming space for car shows, farmers’ markets, and family gatherings. Local volunteers and township staff have helped bring the space to life, showing how a modest investment can create a true gathering place when a community pulls together.

“This was years of planning and groundwork,” said Scott Mueller, Chair of the Emmett Township Parks Committee.

“With layered funding led by a family donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation and additional funding from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Legacy Fund for Design & Access at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, along with an investment from our township itself, the vision finally took shape.”

Grant Township

Grant Township revitalized its multi-use courts, now home to basketball and pickleball games. The renovated courts are already seeing plenty of activity, with enthusiastic pickleball players organizing friendly matches. What began as a simple wish for upgraded courts has become a vibrant center for recreation, thanks to the combination of local support, technical assistance, and grant funding.

Ira Township

Ira Township gave residents another way to enjoy the waterways. With an expanded parking area and a new accessible kayak launch, the township activated a previously underused park and opened the door for more inclusive outdoor recreation.

“This would not have come about without the consultant’s skills and experience with grant applications,” said Cindy Babisz, Ira Township Parks & Recreation Director. “We are so very excited. It has been a great team effort and partnership!”

Lynn Township

Lynn Township celebrated the completion of a bike and walking trail that surrounds amenities like the playground, pavilion, and the township hall. Years of saving and careful planning positioned the township to take advantage of a larger grant opportunity when it became available.

“We saved for years to be able to have a portion of the costs of this trail covered. It was so exciting to receive the grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Legacy Fund for Design & Access to increase our outdoor recreation options. We had families using the new trail the day we opened it,” Miller, said.

Beyond the new paths and upgraded spaces, these four projects showed residents what’s possible when rural communities are given just a bit of extra support. Each project has sparked renewed interest in volunteering, local events, and even new ideas for giving back. They are clear examples of how rural communities know what they want and are willing to do the work—if they can get help with planning and access to funding.

And the best part? There is even more to come.

• Emmett Township plans to add bat houses, storyboards, and expanded play equipment.
• Grant Township is preparing for a splash pad.
• Ira Township envisions the addition of archery lanes, a ropes course, a treehouse, and walking trail extensions.
• Lynn Township hopes to expand play areas, resurface courts, and even acquire land for future growth.

“These communities have been energized these past 12 months,” said consultant Kim Harmer. “They are very grateful not just for the financial support, but also the recognition and validation of the community’s desire to have their residents enjoy the park and offer creative programs.”

Rural communities will continue to be a strategic focus area for the Community Foundation of St. Clair County. Showing that when local leaders, residents, and funders at every level work together, even small town projects can have a big impact.

You, too, can be part of this ongoing success story. To support rural communities as they continue to build parks, trails, and gathering spaces, email Natacha Hayden at natacha@stclairfoundation.org to learn how you can get involved.

Because when our rural communities thrive, the whole county grows stronger.