More than 160 Consumers Energy employees gathered at the Borden Building early Wednesday to present the City of Mt. Pleasant with a $1,500 grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation to enhance and maintain local park facilities. The group then spent the remainder of the morning beautifying several public spaces in Mt. Pleasant.

The volunteers completed staining projects, spread wood chips and raked pine needles at Chipp-A-Waters, Island, Mill Pond, Mission Creek and Nelson parks, as well as at Riverside Cemetery.

“Mt. Pleasant is extremely grateful for both the generous $1500 contribution from the Consumers Energy Foundation, as well as the willingness of so many Consumers Energy employees to spend the morning doing volunteer work in our parks,” said City Mayor Kathy Ling. “During a time when all cities are struggling to continue to provide services to residents with fewer resources, the work being done by these volunteers will be an enormous help in keeping our parks special places. We hope these volunteers from around the state will come back to Mt. Pleasant sometime in the future and enjoy our parks with family or friends.”

The Consumers Energy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Consumers Energy, giving Michigan cities, towns and neighborhoods the extra support needed to build communities that they’re proud to call home. The foundation provides grants and mobilizes volunteers to strengthen local education, social services, the environment, and community, economic and cultural development.