The City of Big Rapids is the top pick for Consumers Energy Foundation’s 2022 Put Your Town on the Map pitch competition.

Big Rapids received $25,000 for first place, Gaylord received $15,000 as runner-up, and Hart received $10,000 after submitting ideas for projects that will help strengthen and grow their communities.

“Consumers Energy recognizes that Michigan’s small and rural towns may not have the same access as larger cities to resources to support projects in their communities.  That is why we are so proud to celebrate the big ideas from our small towns and champion the Put Your Town on the Map contest,” said Brandon Hofmeister, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “These winning projects will help transform and grow their communities, and we look forward to celebrating with them once the projects are complete.”

Big Rapids submitted to the foundation for a skate park project which will provide the city with the most colorful, welcoming, modernized skate park in northern Michigan.

Along with the skate park's development, staff are exploring expanding public art with skateable art, a graffiti wall, and unique sculptures.

"We are so grateful to be receiving this funding from the Consumers Energy Foundation Pitch Competition because it allows us to move ahead with phase one developments for the skate park,” said Jessie Black, Big Rapids Community Economic Development Specialist. “As a newly designated Pure Michigan Trail Town, adding a cutting edge skate park along the city’s Riverwalk trail is great for the local skaters/BMXers and other outdoor enthusiasts coming to visit."

A panel of judges chose the three winning projects on Wednesday, May 18th after officials from the 10 finalist communities made presentations at the 2022 Small Town and Rural Development Conference led by the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan.