Community Foundation of Greater Flint is proud to announce that Mount Morris Consolidated Schools has received $867,800 in grant funding for the enhancement of Ronald Batterbee Memorial Park through the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF) and Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Spark Grant Program.

Mount Morris Consolidated Schools, chosen as an opportunity community by the DNR, partnered with the Community Foundation of Greater Flint to harness this grant. This innovative public-private collaboration aims to broaden access to recreational spaces and programs for communities that have traditionally been under-represented and under-resourced.

This initiative is guided by a commitment to equity and community engagement at every stage—from planning to execution and activation.

“Centering local voices, particularly those who are closest to the issues, and ensuring they are among the decision-makers for designing solutions for our collective community is core to who we are as a community foundation,” said Community Foundation Manager of Corporate and Foundation Relations, Becky Pettengill. “We are proud to have joined the Mount Morris Consolidated Schools in listening to and learning from our community as we all dreamed about what recreational assets might be possible, and we celebrate with them on this transformational investment.”

The grant funds will be used to upgrade Batterbee Park, named after Ronald Francis Batterbee, a revered community member. Proposed upgrades include a new fitness trail, expanded pavilion, upgraded restrooms, and diverse playground equipment. The park's revitalization aims to honor its legacy while meeting the evolving needs of the community. These enhancements will ensure a safer, more inclusive space for recreation and communal gatherings.

“We are grateful for the leadership of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint and the Mount Morris Consolidated Schools in walking alongside residents throughout this visioning, planning and application process,” said Kyle Caldwell, CMF President and CEO. “This project is a powerful example of what is possible when funders support community voices in creating equity-centered solutions to expanding healthy recreational opportunities for all.”