Green Space

Since its beginning, Grand Marais has been growing but not in the way that you might think. Grand Marais is completely dependent on its "green" growth! In the late eighteen hundreds, Grand Marais was developed as a logging community. Today, it is entirely dependent on tourism. Without the preservation and maintenance of the lake, bay, flora and fauna, Grand Marais will not be here for your enjoyment!

The "Green Space" has been a vital part of Grand Marais in the last three decades. Anyone coming down the hill into town is immediately drawn to their right to see the beautiful open view of the bay. This open space on the bay improves the quality of our town not only by providing the view but it also has a tremendous community impact that reaches across the upper peninsula and draws people from all over the country. The space is used for summer concerts, a large 4th of July celebration, rummage sales and events to support local fund raising, community education, and the list is growing as more groups request use of the space. In 2007, the generous donation of a gazebo was made to the township and was erected on the site. Plans for landscaping the park and town park areas are underway for the summer of 2008 through the cooperation of the Grand Marais Garden Club, Green Space Committee and other local groups. The Burt Township Board is also looking for suggestions to name the park.

The Burt Township Board has been working over the past several years to purchase the "Green Space" property. The purchase was successful but was finalized as a land contract with 30% down. This was accomplished through generous private donations from those who have grown to love Grand Marais, but this effort was only the beginning! We must still raise $30,000 over the next two (2) years to complete the land contract!

If you would like to contribute to the purchase of the "Green Space" or to assist with the landscaping project, please send a check or money order to Burt Township, PO Box 430, Grand Marais, Michigan 49839. Please note on your check if you are contributing to the Green Space or the Landscape Project. A receipt will be provided for your tax-deductible donation!