Orion Supervisor Shares Spirit of Adventure in State of Township Speech
(Crystal A. Proxmire, April 18, 2025)
Orion Township, MI – From enjoying a day at the beach, trying out pickle ball, getting some miles in on Paint Creek or Polly Ann Trail, or enjoying a free Thursday night concert at Wildwood Amphitheater there are a number of ways to “choose adventure” in Orion Township. And now those looking for ideas, or are up for a challenge, can download the Orion Township Summer 2025 Adventure List which was debuted by Supervisor Chris Barnett at his recent State of the Township Address on April 10.
In an evening centered around the theme “choose adventure,” Barnett talked about the Township’s commitment to fun and recreation. He shared that the township has 42 lakes, 70 miles of trails, and 30% of it’s land dedicated to recreation. Activities include concerts, fireworks, runs like the Dragon Dash and Memorial 5k, and other community events.
The opportunities for adventure grow as the Township continues their quest to transform the former Great Lakes Athletic Club into a thriving community center which will host community events and have space for residents of all ages to enjoy fitness and time with neighbors.
There’s also an effort to support nature with the natural prairie habitat restoration taking place in the open area of Orion Township’s municipal complex. And even as the people in Orion rev up their boats to enjoy those many lakes, environmental concerns are on the minds of township administrators who have been working with Michigan Recycling Coalition to provide recycling for boat shrink wrap. Those wanting to recycle the large plastic coverings can pick up a bag at the Department of Public Services counter at Township Hall, and drop off the bags at the designation location at Friendship Park between May 1-11.
Orion Township is also in the process of finishing up the Pasadena Pocket Park on Baldwin Road which features a number of benches and forthcoming landscaping thanks to a grant from America In Bloom. The national organization dedicated to beautification efforts has been so impressed with Orion’s commitment to maintaining nature and beauty even as the community continues to grow, that they’ve selected Orion Township as the location for their Symposium and Awards Celebration taking place in September. The event will include a tour of Orion Township so people from across the county can learn from what Orion Township has done.
Residents who want to leave Orion Township for further away adventures may be happy to know that they can go to the Township Offices to get a passport. And those who want a taste of adventure without even leaving the house can check out the Orion Township Parks and Rec page for Wildlife Wednesday posts which feature trail cam footage of the strange and wonderful creatures that roam Orion Township park lands.
But it isn’t just the animals and scenery that make Orion Township an adventurous place to live and visit. There are people too, including the 6,500 students and over 1,000 staffers of Lake Orion Schools. Superintendent Heidi Mercer was part of the evening via video, saying of the kiddos “their daily adventures are colorful and unique, full of learning and sometimes surprise.” Mercer also touted the district’s 98.5% graduation rate.
And as little Dragons grow up, many go on to do great things. Over the years several Orion residents have made their mark on the community, and the Supervisor took the time to recognize them in his speech. Among them was former NFL player Jeff Heath, NASA astronaut Drew Feustel, groundbreaking drag racer Della Woods, famous Teamster leader Jimmy Hoffa, local leader Joann Van Tassel whose served in multiple elected positions through the years, and avid runner Dan Dewey who is known for his perennial good deed of delivering coffee to cancer patients.
Barnett also noted the efforts of first responders, with Orion Township Fire responding to over 4,000 calls for service last year, and Oakland County Sheriff’s Office responding to over 19,000 calls in the township.
Another part of Orion’s adventure is welcoming new businesses and residents. “We’re excited about the sensible growth of our community,” Supervisor Barnett said. In 2024 there were 2344 building permits issued. The Township also launched a section on their website that makes it easy to look up what is being built in any area of the municipality, with information about each project.
Also to encourage that welcoming nature of the community, Orion Township has launched a LOve Orion Township campaign, standing for “Lake Orion Values Everyone.” They’ll be sharing stories of LOve, and they want to know “Who in the community inspires you? Whose story need to be told.” “We care about every individual, every organization, every success, and struggle,” states the flier announcing the campaign. Those who want to share a story can message mbrandon@oriontownship.org.
Watch the full State of the Township address on You Tube. Learn more about Orion Township at https://www.oriontownship.org/. Sign up for Daily Headlines from Oakland County Times here.
