04/16/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BEAVERTON, MI — April 16, 2026 — The City of Beaverton is proud to announce that it has officially received a $10,000 grant from the Gladwin County Community Foundation to fund the purchase of a portable outdoor ice rink. This initiative, spearheaded by Chief Brad Davis, marks a significant investment in the year-round health and wellness of residents throughout all of Gladwin County.
The new ice rink will be a winter-season centerpiece in the Violence Prevention Structure, currently under construction in Ross Lake Park. This project is designed to provide a safe, structured, and accessible environment for sheltered outdoor physical activity and social engagement during the winter months, when outdoor recreational opportunities in the region are typically limited.
"This rink is more than just a local project; it is a community asset designed to bring Gladwin County residents together," said Shannon M. Sirpilla, Beaverton City Manager. "By providing a central location for winter exercise and connection, we are promoting the health and well-being of our entire county-wide community."
🔑 Key Benefits:
Regional Health & Wellness: Promoting physical activity for youth and adults from Beaverton, Gladwin, and surrounding townships.
🧒Youth Engagement: Creating positive environments for young people across the county to interact with role models and local law enforcement.
⛸️A Shared Destination: Enhancing Ross Lake Park as a year-round hub for community-building events that attract visitors and residents from across the region.
The City of Beaverton is committed to the project's long-term success, with Beaverton City staff providing the ongoing maintenance and upkeep required to keep the rink operational for years to come.
For this, the City of Beaverton Residents, Council, and Staff extend their sincere gratitude!
About the Gladwin County Community Foundation:
Gladwin County Community Foundation (GCCF) is an affiliate of the Midland Area Community Foundation, which provides administrative and staffing support. Since its founding, it has become a central hub for philanthropy in the region, focusing on long-term community transformation.
GGCF Mission and Focus:
The foundation's primary mission is to cultivate the power of giving to ensure all residents of Gladwin County thrive. They address community needs through a "Receive, Grow, Give" model—accepting gifts, growing them in endowed funds, and giving back through quarterly grants.
