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Orion Township, Michigan
Charter township
Charter Township of Orion
Village of Lake Orion within Orion Township
Location within Oakland County (red) and the administered village of Lake Orion (pink)
Orion TownshipLocation within the state of Michigan
Coordinates: 42°45′56″N 83°16′01″W / 42.76556°N 83.26694°W / 42.76556; -83.26694
Country	United States
State	Michigan
County	Oakland
Established	1835
Government
• Supervisor	Chris Barnett
Area
• Charter township	35.9 sq mi (93.1 km)
• Land	33.4 sq mi (86.4 km)
• Water	2.6 sq mi (6.7 km)
Elevation	1,004 ft (306 m)
Population
• Charter township	38,206
• Density	1,100/sq mi (410/km)
• Metro	4,296,250 (Metro Detroit)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code(s)	48348, 48359–48362
Area code(s)	248 and 947
FIPS code	26-61100
GNIS feature ID	1626859
Website	Official website

Orion Charter Township (/ˈɒriən/ ORR-ee-ən) is a charter township of Oakland County, Michigan, United States. The population was 38,206 as of the 2020 census.

The official motto of the township and village is, "Where living is a vacation". "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.

Communities

Lake Orion is an incorporated village located within Orion Township. The Township has three unincorporated communities:

• Eames began as a station on the railroad in 1874. It was given a post office in 1883.
• Lake Orion Heights is located between Lake Orion, Square Lake and Elkhorn Lake (42°46′13″N 83°15′51″W / 42.77028°N 83.26417°W / 42.77028; -83.26417 Elevation: 1007 ft./307 m.).
• Gingellville is located at Baldwin and Gregory Roads (42°43′18″N 83°18′28″W / 42.72167°N 83.30778°W / 42.72167; -83.30778 Elevation: 1017 ft./310 m.).

Former places include:

• Rudds Mill (also known as Rudds Station) is located at Kern and Clarkston Roads (42°46′04″N 83°13′06″W / 42.76778°N 83.21833°W / 42.76778; -83.21833 Elevation: 945 ft./288 m.).
• Cole was a station on the Pontiac, Oxford and Northern Railroad. It had a post office from 1884 until 1907.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.9 square miles (93 km), of which 33.3 square miles (86 km) is land and 2.6 square miles (6.7 km), 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 and attractions

• Friendship Park is the largest Township owned property with 134.97 acres of land. It is located at the intersection of Baldwin and Clarkston Roads with access from 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.

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

• 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.

• Wildwood Amphitheater hosts the "Free Concerts & Movies in the Park" series that take place throughout the summer. The venue also hosts outdoor film festivals, music festivals, outdoor movies and other public events.

• 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 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, and Northern Railroad corridor. The Oakland County Polly Ann ends on 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 Paint Creek Trail.

Demographics

As of the census 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/km). There were 12,837 housing units at an average density of 384.9 per square mile (148.6/km). 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

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.

St. Joseph Catholic School is located in the township.

Notable people

The following list includes people from Orion Township and the Village of Lake Orion.

• Scott Amedure, The Jenny Jones Show murder victim
• Matthew Blackmer, American pair skater
• Christopher Bowman, World Medalist champion figure skater
• William Broomfield, former congressman
• Pat Caputo, sportswriter for The Oakland Press
• Rolla C. Carpenter, engineer, academic, writer
• Dave Collins, former professional baseball player
• Barbara Ann Crancer, daughter of Jimmy Hoffa
• Matthew Dear, musician
• Andrew J. Feustel, NASA astronaut
• Frontier Ruckus, art-folk band
• Tom Gillis, professional golfer
• Jeff Heath, professional football player
• Frederick Henderson, former CEO of General Motors
• James P. Hoffa, son of Jimmy Hoffa
• Jimmy Hoffa, former Teamsters President
• Zak Keasey, former professional football player
• Mickey Lolich, former professional baseball player
• James Marcinkowski, politician, attorney
• Chris Michels, syndicated radio show host
• Jamie Milam, professional hockey player
• Troy Milam, professional hockey player
• Frank Novak, former NFL coach
• Raymond Plouhar, staff sergeant, USMC
• William Edmund Scripps, newspaper magnate
• Rich Strenger, former professional football player
• Rod Taylor, former professional hockey player
• Ron Tripp, World Sambo and Judo champion
• Cynthia Watros, actress
• Mike Weger, former professional football player
• Louis George Carpenter, College Professor, known for scientific irrigation

See also

• List of cities, villages, and townships in Michigan

References

1. ^ "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. "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
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. "Learn about the – Polly Ann Trail". Retrieved 2024-06-29.
11. 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."
12. "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).
13. "Future Land Use Map" (PDF). Orion Township. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2016-12-31. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
14. Crystal Bonvillian, Cox Media Group National Content Desk. "Killer in 'Jenny Jones' gay crush murder released from prison". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved 2019-04-15.
15. "Lake Orion High School - Lake Orion High School". Retrieved 2019-04-15.
16. Stieb, Elaine (November 3, 2004). "Former star skater arraigned on village assault charges | Clarkston News". The Clarkston News.
17. "Looking Back". Lake Orion Review.
18. Caputo, Pat (15 July 2012). "PAT CAPUTO: Lake Orion, Indianwood, Oakland County, golf – all winners from U.S. Senior Open". The Oakland Press.
19. Moon, Francis C. (January 15, 2015). "Rolla C. Carpenter". A Brief History of the Sibley College and School. Cornell Engineering. p. 39.
20. Roose, Bill L. (May 28, 1998). "Rochester has talent to make state history". Detroit Free Press. p. 13D.
21. "Family Keeps Vigil". Detroit Free Press. August 1, 1975. p. 12D.
22. "Matthew Dear on Being a Parent, How it Affects His Music, and Letting Go | Under the Radar - Music Magazine".
23. "feustel-aj.pdf" (PDF).
24. Lengel, Allan (February 21, 2014). "Frontier Ruckus: Detroit's Living Room Folk Rockers". Deadline Detroit.
25. "Tom Gillis PGA TOUR Champions Profile - News, Stats, and Videos". PGATour. Retrieved 2019-05-06.
26. Schoch, Matt (November 14, 2019). "From Saginaw Valley to Cowboys captain, Lake Orion's Jeff Heath makes most of opportunities". The Detroit News.
27. Workman, Karen (April 12, 2009). "New GM leader has roots in Lake Orion". The Oakland Press. Archived from the original on June 21, 2019.
28. 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.
29. Trost, Cathy (July 31, 1980). "5 Years After the Fact, Hoffa's Disappearance Still Baffles Probers". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
30. "Zak Keasey Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
31. Gross, Jane (9 October 1984). "Players; Fastballs To Doughnuts". The New York Times.
32. "James Marcinkowski - Lake Orion, MI". FindLaw.
33. "Chris "Hot Wings" Michels". Compass Media Networks.
34. "Jamie Milam at eliteprospects.com". www.eliteprospects.com. Retrieved 2019-05-06.
35. "Troy Milam Stats and News". NHL.com. Retrieved 2018-01-25.
36. "Frank Novak (1982) - Hall of Fame". Northern Michigan University.
37. "Honor the Fallen: Marine Staff Sgt. Raymond J. Plouhar". Military Times. Sightline Media Group. Retrieved 8 August 2017.
38. Peters, Meg (April 15, 2015). "It's a race to see the details in Scripps Mansion's mission". Oxford Leader. Retrieved 8 August 2017.
39. "Law Offices of Rich Strenger". Strenger Law. Retrieved 8 August 2017.
40. "Rod Taylor [ca.1983-2006] Hockey Stats and Profile". www.hockeydb.com.
41. "Alumni - Lake Orion Community Schools". www.lakeorionschools.org.
42. Valentine, Lisa (October 19, 2005). "Watros gets 'Lost?". Lake Orion Review.
43. Valentine, Lisa (March 3, 2016). "Proposed Bald Mountain land swap stalls". Lake Orion Review.
44. "Noted Brother Hobson Woman Dies In Denver". Lewistown Evening Telegram. Lewistown, Montana. September 13, 1935. p. 4.

• Romig, Walter (October 1, 1986) . 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

• Official website
• Orion Township Public Library
• Lake Orion Community Information Network

v t e Places adjacent to Orion Township, Michigan
Brandon Township Oxford Township Addison Township Independence Township Orion Township Oakland Township Waterford Township Auburn Hills Rochester Hills

v t e Places adjacent to Orion Township, Michigan
Perry Lake Heights Lake Orion Walters Lake Orion Heights Rudds Mill Gingellville Auburn Hills

v t e Municipalities and communities of Oakland County, Michigan, United States
County seat: Pontiac
Cities	Auburn Hills Berkley Birmingham Bloomfield Hills Clarkston Clawson Farmington Farmington Hills Fenton‡ Ferndale Hazel Park Huntington Woods Keego Harbor Lake Angelus Lathrup Village Madison Heights Northville‡ Novi Oak Park Orchard Lake Village Pleasant Ridge Pontiac Rochester Rochester Hills Royal Oak South Lyon Southfield Sylvan Lake Troy Walled Lake Wixom
Villages	Beverly Hills Bingham Farms Franklin Holly Lake Orion Leonard Milford Ortonville Oxford Wolverine Lake
Charter townships	Bloomfield Brandon Commerce Highland Independence Lyon Milford Oakland Orion Oxford Pontiac (defunct) Royal Oak Springfield Waterford West Bloomfield White Lake
Civil townships	Addison Groveland Holly Novi Rose Southfield
Unincorporated communities	Andersonville Austin Corners Brandon Gardens Campbells Corner Charing Cross Clintonville Clyde Commerce Davisburg Drayton Plains East Highland Elizabeth Lake Five Points Four Towns Gingellville Glengary Goodison Groveland Corners Hickory Ridge Highland Huron Heights Jossman Acres Kensington Lake Orion Heights Lakeville New Hudson Newark Oak Grove Oakley Park Oakwood Oxbow Perry Lake Heights Rose Center Rose Corners Rudds Mill Seven Harbors Springfield Thomas Union Lake Walters Waterford Waterstone West Highland Westacres White Lake
Footnotes	‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties
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