Gladstone, MI – (Great Lakes Radio News) – The City of Gladstone has received a $1-million gift from the John and Melissa Besse Foundation.
The gift was announced at a ceremony this morning at the Besse Forest Products corporate office in Gladstone.
City officials say the donation includes $500,000 for the purchase of a new state-of-the-art fire truck and other fire safety equipment and $500,000 for improvements to the city’s Sports Complex.
$260,000 will go to the construction of a new pavilion to accommodate concessions, a picnic area and restrooms at the complex.
Construction will begin next summer.
$200,000 will be used to build a new playground area on the north end of the grounds, and will be completed this fall.
The remaining $40,000 will be used for operational expenses at the Ski Hill.
In recognition of the financial gift, the complex will be renamed the “John and Melissa Besse Sports Complex”.