Davison Township is a general law township in Genesee County, Michigan. The population was 19,575 at the 2010 census, up from 17,722 at the 2000 census.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 33.7 square miles (87 km2), of which 33.5 square miles (87 km2) is land and 0.2 square miles (0.52 km2) (0.68%) is water.
The primary waterways are Black and Kearsley Creeks. Davison Township shares two lakes with the neighboring Elba Township, Lapeer County, with Potter Lake (approximately 150 acres) in section 1 and Hasler Lake in section 36.
Black Creek begins at Potter Lake in Elba traveling northwest into Richfield Township then turning south in Davison Township then heads west through the City of Davison to merge into Kearsley Creek.
Davison Township was officially organized on April 6, 1840 and has become a high demand area of Genesee County to live and raise a family. Davison Township is located at the border of Genesee and Lapeer Counties. The I-69 and M-15 HR Byway corridors allow residents and visitors easy access to the Township.
City of Davison
Located on M-15, the City of Davison is also just north of I-69. There are several parks with non-motorized hiking trails that entice a traveler to stop and enjoy the woods. In addition to hiking trails, the Jack N. Abernathy Park located in Davison, also offers a huge fort-like play area for younger children and a skate park for older ones.
For hiking enthusiasts that like to shop, the park’s hiking trail links to the Davison downtown area. Another hiking experience can be started at a trailhead located right behind the Davison Township Municipal Building located at 1280 Irish Road, not far from M-15. This pathway runs links with Abernathy Park for an all-day outdoor experience. The municipal building’s beautiful gazebo, fountain and flower beds are something to enjoy, even for those not interested in hiking or biking.
There are several golf courses just on the outskirts of the City. For history buffs, the city of Davison Historical Museum is located in an original schoolhouse with an original veterinary doctor’s office next door. The Davison Senior Center, located on Lapeer Road, right off M-15, offers daily activities for residents and visitors alike.
Historic Kitchen School
Just south of the city proper, located in Davison Township is the Historic Kitchen School, located right on M-15 and Bristol Road. Built in 1847, the School has been totally restored and is used by school groups. It is open to the public.
Lake Callis Recreation Complex
A new addition for visitors to Davison Township is the Lake Callis Recreation Complex. The Lake Callis Recreation Complex, named after the late Bob Callis, who raised funds to purchase the property located at 1152 North Gale Road, is 40 acres of recreational fun acquired through the efforts of the Davison Township Board of Trustees, numerous volunteers and Davison Township DDA funds.
This is a seasonal pay-to-use park which includes an 18 acre swimming lake with a large beach area, changing rooms, six (6) NCAA rated sand volleyball courts with lighting, 100’ x 100’ dry deck Dash ‘n’ Splash pad, Beach Treats concession stand, Randall V. Stewart Grand Pavilion with stage and electricity, 7 smaller pavilion, Tiki Hut with electricity and private beach area, scenic wetland trail, observation dock, fishing area, gaga pit, paddle board rental and many programs and activities year round. The pavilions, tiki hut, observation deck and volleyball courts are all available for rent or free to use based on availability.
Richfield Township
Although there are no incorporated communities in Richfield Township, Genesee County, located along M-15 as it passes through the township, there are several parks and recreations areas.
Holloway Reservoir Regional Park
Taking up most of the northeast corner of Richfield Township and within a few minutes of M-15 is the Holloway Reservoir Regional Park. Holloway Reservoir Regional Park is a 1,975-acre collection of parks including but not limited to Buttercup Beach, Toboggan Hill, the Elba Equestrian Complex, various fishing points, canoe and boat launches, hike opportunities and snowmobiling areas. The Reservoir park is managed by the Genesee County Parks and Recreation Committee. It encompasses several recreation sites including Buttercup Beach and Wolverine Campground in the north side of the reservoir and the large Walleye Pike Boat Launch on its south side.
Genesee County
The Genesee County Regional Non-Motorized Plan provides a framework for creating an interconnected system of trailways throughout Genesee County. Check out the 360-Degree Trail Imagery application to learn more about the land and water recreational opportunities in Genesee County.