February 14, 2017 – The Governor’s Fitness Council named Grass Lake Charter Township and the Village of Grass Lake as one of three finalists for the Active Communities Award. The Active Community Award is given each year to communities that have taken a team-oriented, holistic approach to creating a healthy, vibrant community through increasing opportunities for physical activity, designing and building and on-the-ground changes that lead to safe, inviting spaces and creating and implementing policies to sustain their efforts for the long-term.
“I’m excited Grass Lake is nominated for the Active Communities Award. With the support of the Five Healthy Towns Foundation, we’ve established a great volunteer Wellness Initiative here in beautiful Grass Lake,” said Joseph A. Deboe, Grass Lake Village President. “Thanks to these hometown volunteers, we’ve organized an active Farmers Market, bi-monthly summer music events, a year ’round walking group, a senior center, cooking programs through the library and so much more… which are just a few of the reasons that Grass Lake IS a great place to call home!”
Grass Lake will be competing against two other finalists – the City of Ishpeming and Waterford Township. The winner will be announced at the Governor’s Fitness Awards ceremony in Detroit on April 20th. Previous winners include the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation (2016), Sault Ste. Marie (2015) Novi and Manistee (2014).
“This is a can-do community. They roll up their sleeves and get things done. Not only are we proud of our association with them, we know firsthand they deserve the honor,” commented Amy Heydlauff, CEO of the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation.
Grass Lake will add some great features to its community this year, with sand volleyball pits, a disc golf course, farmers market pavilion and basketball courts. Grass Lake Charter Township Supervisor Jim Stormont added “Why is Grass Lake a great place to call home? Wow. Being a finalist in the Active Communities Award is not only being selected based on our community focus in providing wellness activities to reduce obesity and promoting a healthy lifestyle, it is encouraging each community member to stay healthy by providing exciting opportunities for all ages.”