Orion Township, Michigan

Coordinates: 42°45′56″N 83°16′01″W / 42.76556°N 83.26694°W / 42.76556; -83.26694
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Orion Township, Michigan
Charter Township of Orion
Village of Lake Orion within Orion Township
Village of Lake Orion within Orion Township
Location within Oakland County (red) and the administered village of Lake Orion (pink)
Location within Oakland County (red) and the administered village of Lake Orion (pink)
Orion Township is located in Michigan
Orion Township
Orion Township
Location within the state of Michigan
Coordinates: 42°45′56″N 83°16′01″W / 42.76556°N 83.26694°W / 42.76556; -83.26694
CountryUnited States
StateMichigan
CountyOakland
Established1835
Government
 • SupervisorChris Barnett
Area
 • Charter township35.9 sq mi (93.1 km2)
 • Land33.4 sq mi (86.4 km2)
 • Water2.6 sq mi (6.7 km2)
Elevation
1,004 ft (306 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Charter township35,394
 • Density990/sq mi (380/km2)
 • Metro
4,296,250 (Metro Detroit)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code(s)
48348, 48359–48362
Area code(s)248 and 947
FIPS code26-61100[1]
GNIS feature ID1626859[2]
WebsiteOfficial website

Orion Charter Township (/ˈɒriən/ ORR-ee-ən) is a charter township of Oakland County, Michigan, United States. The population was 39,816 as on July 1, 2019.[3]

The official motto of the township and village is "Where living is a vacation".[4] "Lake Orion" is often used to describe both the village and the township. The township hosts General Motors' Orion Assembly plant which produces small cars and EV pickup trucks.

History[edit]

Orion Township, Where Living is a Vacation, was established in 1835 as a popular destination along the Detroit United Railway for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. People came to enjoy Park Island Amusement Park and Dance Hall, and in search of the famous dragon on the lake.

LEGEND OF THE DRAGON

Excerpts reprinted from "The Legend of a Dragon" written by S. April Wuest, published in "Orion Township Sesquicentennial 150 Years 1835-1985"


In 1894, there was a dragon. He took up dwelling in Lake Orion and though seemingly quite a friendly fellow, struck terror in the hearts of residents who sighted him. He grew with each sighting (dragons do this - growing and aging fast, but .... living forever) and increased in size from 18 feet to an outstanding length of 80 feet. He was described by witnesses as green with black spots. He was covered with scales and arose from the deep carrying slime and seaweed.

The fact is that two Orion ladies fishing from a dock in the lake, probably did see the wretched creature rise from the water. This encounter was enough to provoke numerous sightings, some of them undoubtedly real.

The Review newspaper reported an encounter which Mrs. Vincent Brown had while fishing from a rowboat with her two young nieces. When the creature appeared, the brave Mrs. Brown fought him off by beating him on the head with a board. This did not discourage the dragon and she rowed frantically to shore amid the screaming terrors of two frightened girls.

People were afraid to swim in the lake and used the creature as a scapegoat for all sorts of mishaps such as tipped boats and even missing livestock. Some people even claimed to have seen fire breathed from his nostrils.

It is not recorded when the first explanatory statements came out, but there does seem to be an explanation - and a most amusing one.

The Miller family lived at 312 S. Broadway, in those day with two mischievous boys named John Lawson and "Tut". John swears it was his younger brother's doing and that he worked laboriously sewing cloth that would cover wire rings which attached to the wooden base of a sea serpent. The base was fixed with wheels and the monster was lowered into the lake with a wire leash attached.

There are those who doubt that explanation and credit the sightings with nothing more than a shadow cast on the lake by an old tree. Myth, fancy, or fact, the story will be retold for years to come.

Communities[edit]

  • Lake Orion is an incorporated villages located within Orion Township.

The Township has three unincorporated communities:

Former places include:

Geography[edit]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.9 square miles (93 km2), of which 33.3 square miles (86 km2) is land and 2.6 square miles (6.7 km2), or 7.18%, is water. The Township boasts more than 4,200 acres or parks and open spaces, including 42 lakes larger than five acres, more than 10 square miles of recreation, and more than 50 miles of safety path and trail ways.

Orion Township Is bordered to the east by Oakland Township, to the west by Independence Township, to the south by Auburn Hills and to the north by Oxford Township.

Parks & Trails[edit]

Friendship Park - 3380 Clarkston Road

With 134.97 acres of land, Friendship Park is the largest Township owned property. It is located at the intersection of Baldwin and Clarkston Roads with access from Clarkston Road. The park's building houses summer camps, preschool classes, yoga, tai chi, and safety classes, along with private rentals. The park incorporates the following facilities:

  • 4 Baseball Fields (4 lighted fields)
  • 8 Soccer Fields
  • 2 Pickleball Courts Rules for Courts
  • 1 Tennis Court
  • ADA Accessible Miracle Field
  • Andrea Yatooma Home Plate Concession Stand and Restrooms
  • ADA Accessible Playground (Dragons Den)
  • 1 Wheelchair Accessible Playground
  • Park building with restrooms (indoor and outdoor access), indoor multi-purpose meeting room, small kitchen (45 people at tables or 75 seats) and covered outdoor portions (75 people at tables)
  • Restrooms in the northern area of the parks
  • Wedding Gazebo/Shelter (150-200 people in area)
  • Historic Howarth School House and Porritt Barn
  • Fishing Pond
  • Limestone surface park trails
  • Community Garden
  • Walking Trails
  • Mountain Bike Trails
  • Parking Areas

Camp Agawam - 1301 W. Clarkston Road

Camp Agawam is located in the heart of Orion Township, Michigan. The camp was previously owned and operated by the Boy Scouts of America, until 2014 at which point Orion Township took ownership. Camp Agawam offers a wide variety of opportunities for all ages. With roughly 140 acres, numerous campsites, rental facilities, walking trails, a chapel, a state-of-the-art playground, disc golf course, and beautiful Tommy's Lake with public beach access, this is truly a picturesque park in the middle of suburban life.

Civic Center Park - 2525 Joslyn Road Civic Center Park is a 78.86 acre community park located on Joslyn Road north of Waldon Road with access from both roadways.

  • 3 Baseball Fields (2 lighted)
  • 7 Soccer Fields
  • 2 Basketball Courts
  • Ice Rink (open seasonally)
  • Fitness Course
  • 2 Volleyball Courts
  • Sheardy Pavilion (60 people at tables) with attached restrooms
  • 1 ADA accessible play structure
  • Limestone surface park trails
  • Wildwood Amphitheater
  • 2 access points to the Polly Ann Trail
  • Parking Areas

Jesse Decker Park - 4080 N. Squirrel Road With 24.65 acres of land, Jesse Decker Park is the newest Orion Township community park constructed in 2009. It is located in the southeast corner of the Township on Squirrel Road south of Silverbell Road. The park includes the following facilities:

  • 3 Youth Baseball Field
  • 1 Multipurpose Sports Field
  • 2 Tennis/Pickleball Courts
  • 1 Playground
  • Sledding Hill
  • Picnic Shelter (40 people at tables)
  • Asphalt and limestone surface park trails
  • Heron Springs Nature Area
  • Portable Restrooms
  • Parking Area

Wildwood Amphitheater - 2700 Joslyn Court

This outdoor amphitheater is home to the Free Concerts in the Park series that takes place on Tuesdays, Free Movies in the Park series that takes place on Wednesdays throughout the summer. This venue also hosts outdoor film festivals, music festivals, outdoor movies and other public events. The Wildwood Amphitheater is available for private rentals.

Paint Creek Trail

The Paint Creek Trail is an 8.9 mile recreational trail located in northeast Oakland County.  It traverses through Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township, Orion Township, and the Village of Lake Orion.  Most of the trail is surfaced with crushed limestone, and is 8 feet wide.  A 1/4 mile segment at the northern terminus in Lake Orion is paved with asphalt.

The trail is built on a former railroad bed.  The Paint Creek Trailways Commission is an intergovernmental agency that owns and manages the trail and trail right-of-way.  The Commission right-of-way is generally 100 feet wide.  The trail is not always in the center of the right-of-way.  The Paint Creek is a designated trout stream that intertwines with the trail at many points, and provides great fishing opportunities.

The Paint Creek Trail – Michigan's Millennium Legacy Trail

In 1999, the Paint Creek Trail received a special honor. The Southeast Michigan Greenways Trail, a conceptual network of inter-connected trails and greenways throughout the 7-county area of Southeast Michigan, was proclaimed Michigan's Millennium Legacy Trail by the White House on October 21, 1999. The Paint Creek Trail carried the honor of being the physical representative of the trail system since it serves as an excellent physical and operational example for other trails. As part of the designation, the Trailways Commission was given a $10,000 grant for a Millennium Legacy Trail Art Project. The grant, along with other matching funds, paid for our Prairie Restoration Art Project – a gazebo-like structure located on the Trail north of Gallagher, that commemorates our Prairie Restoration Project south of Silver Bell Road.

The Paint Creek Trail – a National Recreation Trail

On June 1, 2006, the Paint Creek Trail received the honor of being named a National Recreation Trail by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The National Recreation Trails program recognizes exemplary trails of local and regional significance that provide for numerous outdoor recreation activities in a variety of urban, rural, and remote areas. Over 900 Trails in every state have received this designation. The NRT Program is jointly administered by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service in cooperation with American Trails. As a National Recreation Trail, the Paint Creek Trail will benefit from the prestige and increased visibility of being part of the 10,000 mile National Trail System. The Trailways Commission received a letter and certificate signed by the Secretary of the Interior, as well as logo signs to be placed along the Trail. Additionally, the Trailways Commission receives access to technical assistance and unique funding opportunities. As part of this designation, the Paint Creek Trail is included in the on-line National Registry of Trails, and is given its own NRT webpage. The webpage includes descriptive information, pictures, and facts about the Paint Creek Trail. You can access it here: Paint Creek Trail – a National Recreation Trail.

The Paint Creek Trail – A Pure Michigan Trail

Paint Creek Trail Recognized as Pure Michigan Trail at Annual Governor's Conference on Tourism

The Paint Creek Trail was designated a Pure Michigan Trail at the Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on April 11, 2023. The Trail was honored with an award for its example of the state's natural beauty and the outdoor recreation and alternative transportation opportunities it provides to the local area and visitors alike. The trail will be featured in the Pure Michigan travel campaigns from now on as an example of what makes Michigan the #1 trail state in the nation.

Polly Ann Trail

The Polly Ann Trail is a major non-motorized trail in Oakland County extending north from Orion Township in suburban Detroit on a former Pontiac, Oxford & Northern Railroad corridor.The Oakland County Polly Ann ends at the Bordman Road at the Lapeer/Oakland County border. The Oakland County segment connects the Townships of Orion, Oxford and Addison and the Villages of Oxford and Leonard. The Orion Township pathway system connects the trail to the popular Paint Creek Trail.

Both portions are owned by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The trail is managed separately by groups in Lapeer County and by the Polly Ann Trail Management Council, Inc. (PATMC) in Oakland County,The portion of the trail in Oakland County has a crushed stone surface and runs for 14.2 miles from Orion Township to the Oakland–Lapeer county line.

Certain sections of the trail in urban areas have an improved asphalt surface. Along the way, trail users pass through the communities of Orion Township, Oxford Township, the Village of Oxford, Addison Township and the Village of Leonard.

In Lapeer County, the Polly Ann Trail continues north with a much rougher ballast surface for 20 miles to North Branch Township. The trail is clear and maintained in Dryden Township, Dryden Village and Imlay City, with the latter community featuring a paved stretch. The rest of the trail is largely unimproved and may be rough, uneven and wet in spots. For this reason, mountain bikers, hikers and horseback riders will generally have the best experience along the Polly Ann Trail in Lapeer County.

Recognition[edit]

  • A Michigan Best City for Fit Lifestyles - #11
  • A Michigan Safest City - #27
  • Better City for Pets
  • eCities 5-Star Community
  • Michigan Green Communities - Gold Certified
  • Tree City USA
  • Pure Michigan Trail Town
  • Water Town
  • America In Bloom - Level 3 Community

Demographics[edit]

As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 33,463 people, 12,246 households, and 8,976 families residing in the township. The population density was 1,003.3 inhabitants per square mile (387.4/km2). There were 12,837 housing units at an average density of 384.9 per square mile (148.6/km2). The racial makeup of the township was 95.42% White, 1.26% African American, 0.27% Native American, 1.18% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.61% from other races, and 1.23% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.56% of the population.

There were 12,246 households, out of which 39.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.0% were married couples living together, 6.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.7% were non-families. 20.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.19.

In the township the population was spread out, with 28.5% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 36.4% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 6.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.5 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $71,844, and the median income for a family was $83,514. Males had a median income of $61,562 versus $36,481 for females. The per capita income for the township was $30,299. About 2.0% of families and 3.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.5% of those under age 18 and 4.1% of those age 65 and over.

Education[edit]

The majority of students attend Lake Orion Community Schools. A small portion is in the Pontiac School District. Another portion of students also attend Clarkston, Rochester and Oxford Community School Districts.[10]

St. Joseph Catholic School is located in the township.[11][12]

Notable people[edit]

This list includes people from Orion Township and the Village of Lake Orion

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  2. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Orion Township, Michigan
  3. ^ US Census, US Census (July 1, 2019). "QuickFacts: Orion charter township, Oakland County, Michigan". US Census. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  4. ^ "Orion Township Home Page". Retrieved 26 November 2011.
  5. ^ Romig 1986, p. 168.
  6. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Lake Orion Heights, Michigan & GNIS in Google Map
  7. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Gingellville, Michigan & GNIS in Google Map
  8. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Rudds Mill, Michigan & GNIS in Google Map
  9. ^ Romig 1986, p. 125.
  10. ^ Murray, Diana Dillaber. "Law being proposed could dissolve Pontiac schools, other struggling districts." Oakland Press. June 12, 2013. Retrieved on May 7, 2014. "Pontiac school district spreads from Pontiac into portions of seven surrounding communities including Auburn Hills, Sylvan Lake, Lake Angeles and townships of Bloomfield, Orion, Waterford and West Bloomfield."
  11. ^ "History". St. Joseph Catholic School. Retrieved 2020-05-01. 703 N. Lapeer Road, Lake Orion, Michigan 48362 - Confirm the location in Orion Township with a zoning map (despite any statements it is in Lake Orion proper the school is not).
  12. ^ "Future Land Use Map" (PDF). Orion Township. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2016-12-31. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  13. ^ Crystal Bonvillian, Cox Media Group National Content Desk. "Killer in 'Jenny Jones' gay crush murder released from prison". ajc. Retrieved 2019-04-15.
  14. ^ "Lake Orion High School - Lake Orion High School". Retrieved 2019-04-15.
  15. ^ Stieb, Elaine (November 3, 2004). "Former star skater arraigned on village assault charges | Clarkston News". The Clarkston News.
  16. ^ "Looking Back". Lake Orion Review.
  17. ^ Caputo, Pat (15 July 2012). "PAT CAPUTO: Lake Orion, Indianwood, Oakland County, golf – all winners from U.S. Senior Open". The Oakland Press.
  18. ^ Moon, Francis C. (January 15, 2015). "Rolla C. Carpenter". A Brief History of the Sibley College and School. Cornell Engineering. p. 39.
  19. ^ Roose, Bill L. (May 28, 1998). "Rochester has talent to make state history". Detroit Free Press. p. 13D.
  20. ^ "Family Keeps Vigil". Detroit Free Press. August 1, 1975. p. 12D.
  21. ^ "Matthew Dear on Being a Parent, How it Affects His Music, and Letting Go | Under the Radar - Music Magazine".
  22. ^ "feustel-aj.pdf" (PDF).
  23. ^ Lengel, Allan (February 21, 2014). "Frontier Ruckus: Detroit's Living Room Folk Rockers". Deadline Detroit.
  24. ^ "Tom Gillis PGA TOUR Champions Profile - News, Stats, and Videos". PGATour. Retrieved 2019-05-06.
  25. ^ Schoch, Matt (November 14, 2019). "From Saginaw Valley to Cowboys captain, Lake Orion's Jeff Heath makes most of opportunities". The Detroit News.
  26. ^ Workman, Karen (April 12, 2009). "New GM leader has roots in Lake Orion". The Oakland Press. Archived from the original on June 21, 2019.
  27. ^ Szczesny, Joseph; Phillips, Dave; Burnstein, Scott; Gutc, Jacquelyn (July 30, 2011). "SCENE OF THE CRIME: Jimmy Hoffa disappearance still a mystery after 36 years". The Oakland Press. Archived from the original on June 21, 2019.
  28. ^ Trost, Cathy (July 31, 1980). "5 Years After the Fact, Hoffa's Disappearance Still Baffles Probers". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  29. ^ "Zak Keasey Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  30. ^ Gross, Jane (9 October 1984). "Players; Fastballs To Doughnuts". The New York Times.
  31. ^ "James Marcinkowski - Lake Orion, MI". FindLaw.
  32. ^ "Chris "Hot Wings" Michels". Compass Media Networks.
  33. ^ "Jamie Milam at eliteprospects.com". www.eliteprospects.com. Retrieved 2019-05-06.
  34. ^ "Troy Milam Stats and News". NHL.com. Retrieved 2018-01-25.
  35. ^ "Frank Novak (1982) - Hall of Fame". Northern Michigan University.
  36. ^ "Honor the Fallen: Marine Staff Sgt. Raymond J. Plouhar". Military Times. Sightline Media Group. Retrieved 8 August 2017.
  37. ^ Peters, Meg (April 15, 2015). "It's a race to see the details in Scripps Mansion's mission". Oxford Leader. Retrieved 8 August 2017.
  38. ^ "Law Offices of Rich Strenger". Strenger Law. Retrieved 8 August 2017.
  39. ^ "Rod Taylor [ca.1983-2006] Hockey Stats and Profile". www.hockeydb.com.
  40. ^ "Alumni - Lake Orion Community Schools". www.lakeorionschools.org.
  41. ^ Valentine, Lisa (October 19, 2005). "Watros gets 'Lost?". Lake Orion Review.
  42. ^ Valentine, Lisa (March 3, 2016). "Proposed Bald Mountain land swap stalls". Lake Orion Review.
  43. ^ "Noted Brother Hobson Woman Dies In Denver". Lewistown Evening Telegram. Lewistown, Montana. September 13, 1935. p. 4.
  • Romig, Walter (October 1, 1986) [1973]. Michigan Place Names: The History of the Founding and the Naming of More Than Five Thousand Past and Present Michigan Communities (Paperback). Great Lakes Books Series. Detroit, Michigan: Wayne State University Press. ISBN 0-8143-1838-X.

External links[edit]