Leader photo/ALY GIBSON State Representative Matt Lori was present when Mark A. Cook, vice president of governmental affairs for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, presented a check for $15,020 to Pokagon Township Supervisor Linda Preston. The funding will go toward building a playground area and walking path improvements at the Pokagon Township Hall.

State Representative Matt Lori joined citizens and Pokagon Township board members Wednesday evening to celebrate a $15,000 grant awarded to the township by Blue Cross Blue Shield, which will be used to build a playground and foot path near the township hall.

Township Supervisor Linda Preston accepted the check, totaling $15,020, in Lansing earlier Wednesday with Lori, but announced the award during the board meeting. After speaking with Lori in January, Preston said the opportunity for a grant for playground equipment was available. The grant focused on helping communities build equipment that would promote exercise at an early age and encourage adults to exercise more.

“I put together the proposal, and we were able to receive the funding,” Preston said during the meeting.

Lori spoke during the meeting, too, stating the amount was unusually high for Blue Cross.

“Often, they give anywhere between $500 and $3,000, depending on the situation and what is being asked,” Lori said. “But they said because the funds were available and everything fell into place, they awarded the $15,020.”

Vice President of Blue Cross Blue Shield Mark Cook said the grant will help make the state a healthier place.

“At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, we are committed to making Michigan healthier,” Cook said. “That’s why we are excited to help provide access to a new walking path and playground for the families of Pokagon Township.”

Preston said the playground and walking trail will be placed west of the township hall so community members can freely access the park. She thanked Lori, who facilitated the grant application, for his support and knowledge of the process.

“There will be a lot of physical activity for young children to take part in,” said Preston, who also mentioned the possibility for further development, which would grow the playground and trail into a community beacon.

“It has ignited us to do more in that area,” Preston said. “We’re hoping to look at the possibility of a picnic shelter, also.”

The board will begin planning the playground equipment and starting the process for construction.