A Bright Idea for Forsyth Township: Bringing Solar-Powered Innovation to Gwinn

Forsyth Forward is excited to see innovative new ideas making their way into our community! Recently, we had the opportunity to attend Northern Michigan University’s Engineering Senior Project Briefing, where students shared their plans for a solar-powered charging station being developed for Forsyth Township’s pump track.

This project is an exciting example of how technology, education, and community partnerships can come together to create something amazing right here in Gwinn. By incorporating solar power into a recreational space this project brings a new level of innovation to a community asset. One that will serve local residents and visitors alike.

While this may be a smaller project in the grand scheme of economic or recreational development. It represents something much bigger. Sometimes, even a small project can be a shining light that demonstrates progress. This opens the door to new possibilities for our community. Bringing innovative technology into our local recreational spaces shows that rural communities like Forsyth Township can embrace new ideas, explore creative solutions, and continue finding ways to improve the places we call home.

An important part of making projects like this happen is building connections with organizations that share a vision for growth and opportunity. This project brings together Forsyth Forward, Innovate Marquette, and Northern Michigan University. Each organization contributes to a collaborative effort that connects student innovation with real community needs.

Innovate Marquette plays an important role in supporting entrepreneurs, innovators, and business owners by connecting ideas with resources, funding, workforce talent, and opportunities for growth. Through partnerships like this, those resources and innovative ideas can reach beyond traditional business settings and make a difference.

Learn more about Innovate Marquette and how they support innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth throughout our region:  https://innovatemarquette.org/

At Forsyth Forward, we believe that collaboration is an important part of creating new opportunities for Forsyth Township. Supporting local businesses, improving community infrastructure, and expanding recreational opportunities all contribute to building a stronger community. Exploring ideas that we may not have been able to accomplish on our own.

We are excited to see this project move forward and look forward to seeing how it contributes to the future of the pump track. More importantly, we hope it serves as an example of the exciting things that can happen when people come together with new ideas and a shared commitment.

Sometimes, progress starts with one small idea. With a little innovation, that idea can become something that benefits the entire community. We are proud to see Gwinn and Forsyth Township continuing to move forward, one project at a time!