schools. It has any trade you want to talk about, you name it, welding, electrical, veterinarian. It is just an unbelievable thing, and we help fund that.” The township also collaborates with Southwest Michigan First, a Kalamazoo based economic development organization that works to attract and grow businesses in the region. BUILDING TRAILS AND RECREATION Recreation is a growing area of focus in Schoolcraft Township, and one of the most exciting projects currently on the table is a walking and biking trail connecting the two villages. “That is a straight line down one of our roads, and that’s a multi million dollar project,” says Ulsh. Noting that the trail will be called the Potawatomi trail, after the indigenous people who first inhabited the area, he adds,“We’ve talked to them, and we’ve talked to the state, and they think it’s a great idea.” Efforts are also underway to connect Schoolcraft Township’s non motorized trail system to the city of Portage, “Biking is really taking off in this area,” he says. “The idea is that when we’re done, they could actually start out in the city of Portage and do a round trip through the village of Vicksburg, the village of Schoolcraft, and then head back north again to the city of Portage. Everybody we have talked to wants to help us do that.” The township’s 32 acre Swan Park is a popular gathering space, and a source of pride, right in the center of the community. “We have people coming from all over because it’s immaculate. We really keep it up,” Ulsh boasts. “In fact, this past summer some state championships were played here because of the field and the accommodations that go with it.” With ten ballfields, a concession stand, and about 15 acres of open land, the park still has space for future amenities, and the township is willing to help make it happen. “We’ve talked to various organizations like racquetball, and we tell them, ‘You can have the area. What do we need to do to get you out here?’” 198 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
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