Building on the recreational assets we already have and creating opportunities for generations to come.
At Forsyth Forward, we believe and preach that strong communities are built through careful, considerate, and deliberate action. Through community investment, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future. We can continue to create opportunities for the people who call this area home.
One of the things that makes Forsyth Township special is the people, places, and opportunities that bring our community together. We share a dedication to our community alongside our board, volunteers, and many others throughout Forsyth Township, including Gwinn, Little Lake, and Sawyer. We are excited to see continued efforts to invest in the assets that make our community what it is. Most recently, we are excited about a renewed commitment to one of the centers of our community, the Gwinn ballfields and surrounding recreational area.
We wanted to take a moment to introduce the Forsyth Township Ballfield Committee, recognize the people working behind the scenes, and highlight the importance of these efforts. We also want to share why we believe this area has so much potential for our community and why continued investment in these spaces is so important to the future of our small community.
Meet the Forsyth Township Ballfield Committee
The Forsyth Township Ballfield Committee is an official Township Board-approved committee made up of community members dedicated to improving the ballfields and surrounding recreational spaces for residents and visitors alike.
Committee members include:
Neil Armatti – Chairperson
Jamie Armatti
Vicki Nelson
Ken Dillinger
Dona Kevern
Al Cook
Dee Carter
Their vision is simple. To create something great for the community, not just for today, but for years to come.
More Than Just a Ballfield
The Gwinn ballfields have long been an important part of our community. From Gwinn Little League and high school athletics to the Big Three Summer Concert, the Gwinn Co-Ed Alumni Tournament, and countless other community events, this space has provided a place for people to gather, compete, celebrate, and connect.
At Forsyth Forward, we recognize the importance of maintaining and improving the recreational assets we already have while still looking for opportunities to build on them.
This is an exciting time for this area and an opportunity to think bigger about the entire recreational space. With the new pump track nearing its opening, along with the UMIRA ice track and Great Lakes Rodeo grounds nearby, this area is developing into an increasingly valuable recreational hub for Forsyth Township.
These amenities serve a variety of interests and age groups, but together, they create opportunities for families, athletes, residents, and visitors to make memories and enjoy all that our community has to offer.
Recreation is about more than providing places to play. It is about creating gathering spaces, supporting community events, encouraging healthy and active lifestyles, and making Forsyth Township an even better place to call home, while also attracting visitors who support our local economy.
Building Something Together
Improvements take resources, planning, and a lot of community support.
The Ballfield Committee is working toward funding future projects through a combination of private donations, local business contributions, grants, Township funds (including the existing recreation millage), fundraising, and something this community has always been great at: donated time, labor, and equipment.
The committee is also in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. If approved, this would create additional opportunities for fundraising, grant applications, and tax-deductible donations to support future improvements.
We are excited to see community members stepping up to volunteer their time, offer equipment, and find ways to contribute. That kind of local involvement is what makes community-driven projects possible, and we would love to see even more people get involved in this effort!
We know these improvements will take time, but the enthusiasm and willingness to invest in our community are encouraging. It is that shared commitment and community support that will help move these efforts forward.
How Can You Get Involved?
One of the greatest strengths of a small community is its ability to come together around something it believes in. Whether you are a local business owner, a parent, an athlete, a longtime resident, or someone who simply wants to see Gwinn continue to grow, there is a place for you to be part of these efforts.
Donations, volunteer hours, equipment, local business support, and simply sharing information can all make a difference.
We encourage community members to follow along with the Forsyth Township Ballfield Committee's progress and look for opportunities to get involved as plans continue to develop.
A Shared Investment in the Future of Forsyth Township
Forsyth Forward has been fortunate enough to be part of many events and initiatives that bring people to this area, and we recognize the important role these spaces play in the quality of life and economic vitality of our township.
We believe Forsyth Township has so much to offer, and efforts like this are a huge step in the right direction. By building on what we already have, supporting local initiatives, and working together, we can create recreational opportunities that benefit our community for generations to come.
This isn't about one organization, one committee, or one sport. It's about all of us and the community we share, moving forward as a unit to bring positive change to Forsyth Township and Gwinn!
Small Town. Big Plans. One Community.
11/4/2026
