Apr 16 2015
Thomas Township Parks and Recreation and Hemlock Semiconductor Group are proud to announce that the Dow Corning Foundation, on behalf of Hemlock Semiconductor, has generously made a donation of $200,000 toward the construction of the multipurpose pavilion at Roberts Park soccer fields.
The pavilion, which will house restrooms, a storage room and concession stand, will be the centerpiece of Roberts Park.
"With this generous donation, we can begin the process of raising the remaining funds to complete this project," said John Corriveau, director, Thomas Township Parks and Recreation. "We’re very excited to take this step forward toward constructing the pavilion and completing our long-term vision for this recreation area."
The projected cost for the multipurpose pavilion is $350,000.
"We’re very pleased to see this project moving forward," said David Rengering, Hemlock Semiconductor site manager and board trustee of the Dow Corning Foundation. "We are confident that the local community will be able to raise the remaining funds. It’s a great example of all of us coming together to improve the quality of life in our community."
In 2006, Thomas Township Parks and Recreation held an event at Apple Mountain to kick off the "Get In the Game" fundraising program for the Roberts Park Expansion project. The development plan consisted of three full-size soccer fields, walking trails, small pavilions, play equipment, multipurpose pavilion, lighting, fishing pond, and a paved parking lot.
Hemlock Semiconductor donated $200,000 at that kick-off event. Thomas Township Parks and Recreation was able to use the donation to obtain matching grant funds from the State of Michigan, helping raise nearly $1 million in total for the expansion. In 2011, Thomas Township completed the soccer fields, walking trails, small pavilions and a fishing pond, leaving the multipurpose pavilion and play equipment for future projects.