Grants - Children's Garden

Logo for Michigan Arts & Culture Council with colorful overlapping circles.

This activity is supported in part by an award from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council. 

Three people stand in a snowy garden with sculptures and tables, near a brick building.
Outdoor musical instrument with green and red concave shapes, resembling bells or saucers, set in a garden area.
A garden scene with a blue table, mushrooms, trees, and statues of two children on a bench.
Three red-and-white spotted mushroom sculptures and a statue of children reading on a bench in a garden.
Three people stand in a snowy garden with sculptures and tables, near a brick building.
Outdoor musical instrument with green and red concave shapes, resembling bells or saucers, set in a garden area.
A garden scene with a blue table, mushrooms, trees, and statues of two children on a bench.
Three red-and-white spotted mushroom sculptures and a statue of children reading on a bench in a garden.
Three people stand in a snowy garden with sculptures and tables, near a brick building.
Outdoor musical instrument with green and red concave shapes, resembling bells or saucers, set in a garden area.
A garden scene with a blue table, mushrooms, trees, and statues of two children on a bench.
Three red-and-white spotted mushroom sculptures and a statue of children reading on a bench in a garden.
Three people stand in a snowy garden with sculptures and tables, near a brick building.
Outdoor musical instrument with green and red concave shapes, resembling bells or saucers, set in a garden area.
A garden scene with a blue table, mushrooms, trees, and statues of two children on a bench.
Three red-and-white spotted mushroom sculptures and a statue of children reading on a bench in a garden.

May 2025 Update

We were in The Citizen! 

BTPL now in tune for youth thanks to grant
By Shelby Stewart-Soldan on May 5, 2025

Ortonville — The Brandon Township Public Library received a $15,000 grant from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, which they used to purchase a new ADA-compliant picnic table, install a new door from the youth department to the children’s garden, and purchase four outdoor percussion instruments.

The instruments were installed at the library by the Ortonville Department of Public Works.
“We are tremendously grateful to the Michigan Arts and Culture Council for the generous grant, to our Implementation Manager Shauna Quick for her hard work in writing the grant, and to Bob, Aaron and Paul from the DPW for installing the instruments,” said Library Director Laura Fromwiller. “This is a project we have wanted to do for a few years, and it is very exciting to have it all come together with everyone’s help. The kids are going to love it.”

The Michigan Arts and Culture Council’s goal is to have communities celebrate creative expression and for every person to have access to or to participate in arts and cultural experiences.

“With the new musical instruments, ADA-accessible table, and improved garden access, we’re making joyful, artistic experiences available to all children and families in our community, regardless of ability,” said Implementation Manager Shauna Quick. “It’s about building a space where every person can play, explore and feel like they belong.”

View Citizen Article

April 2025 Update

April 29, 2025 – Assembled our new ADA picnic table with matching umbrella. 

April 9-10, 2025 – The Village of Ortonville Department of Public Works graciously installed our three mushrooms and caterpillar.

April 8, 2025 – Our first set of instruments was ordered and delivered! 

November 2024 Update

Motor City Door Company installed a new door providing access to the children’s garden from the youth department. 

Children's Garden Project

The Brandon Township Public Library seeks to enhance its facilities through a transformative Children’s Garden Project. This initiative aims to create a more accessible, engaging, and enriching outdoor environment that benefits the entire community. The garden will serve as an inclusive and versatile space that fosters artistic expression, sensory exploration, and cultural experiences. 

1. Outdoor Musical Instruments

The Children’s Garden is a beloved area where young patrons explore, play, and learn. To enrich this space further, we propose the installation of five outdoor musical instruments. These instruments will provide children with hands-on opportunities to explore sound, rhythm, and music—encouraging creative expression and sensory development.

Musical play supports both cognitive and emotional growth, transforming the garden into a hub of artistic discovery. This enhancement will make the Children’s Garden a focal point for creativity and cultural engagement, benefiting families and visitors of all ages.

2. New Door for Direct Garden Access

Currently, the only entrance to the Children’s Garden is located on the opposite side of the building from the Youth Department, making access inconvenient—especially for parents with young children. We propose installing a new door directly from the Youth Department to the garden.

This improvement will create a smoother transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, making the garden more accessible, inviting, and visible. Easier access will encourage more frequent use and deeper engagement with the garden’s artistic and natural elements.

3. Accessible Picnic Table

We plan to install an ADA-compliant picnic table to further enhance the garden’s inclusivity and functionality. This dual-purpose addition will:

  • Support visitors with disabilities through accessible design
  • Provide a shaded, comfortable space for families and groups to gather

This feature reflects our commitment to creating a garden that is both welcoming and future-focused, supporting longer visits and community connection.

Overall Impact

The Children’s Garden Project will significantly expand the artistic, cultural, and inclusive experiences available at the Brandon Township Public Library. With the addition of musical instruments, improved garden access, and an accessible table, we are reimagining this outdoor space as a vibrant community destination.

These enhancements will support a wide range of arts and culture-based programs, ensuring that all patrons—regardless of age or ability—can engage, learn, and thrive in this unique and joyful environment.