Pittsfield Charter Twp, Michigan

Organized in 1834 and chartered in 1972, Pittsfield Charter Township bridges the territory between the City of Ann Arbor and the City of Saline. Though originally 36 square miles, portions of Pittsfield have been annexed by both cities, leaving the present area of approximately 28 square miles. Pittsfield Township provides municipal services such as fire and police protection, rubbish collection, and public water and sanitary sewer service to some areas. The township has active programs for Parks and Recreation and for Senior Citizens.

Major thoroughfares in Pittsfield include Michigan Avenue (U.S.-12), U.S. 23, and I-94. Pittsfield is included in three school districts, Ann Arbor, Saline and Milan. Post office addresses in the township include Ann Arbor, Saline, and Ypsilanti. The northern portion of the township, adjacent to the City of Ann Arbor, is urban with several major shopping centers and condominium developments. The township also has several industrial and business parks. The southern and central portions of the township are more rural in nature with large lots and several farms. Land Development Standards in Pittsfield are strongly maintained and residential developments provide open space, walking paths and other amenities.

Pittsfield Charter Township's joint Parks and Recreation Department and Senior Center/ Community Center is located on the west side of the township with amenities that include a 7 acre park and a baseball field (home to the popular T-ball program). Classes offered by the Parks and Recreation Department range from ceramics to country line dancing, volleyball, and yoga. Montibeller Park, on the eastside, is a 52-acre park with pedestrian paths, baseball diamonds, and tennis courts. At Platt and Ellsworth Road lies Lillie Park, completed in 2003 with 124 acres, including soccer fields, a fishing dock, and interpretive nature trails. The Pittsfield Preserve, covering almost 600 acres, is roughly bounded by Platt, Morgan, Marton, and Michigan Ave. Portions of the area are planned for active recreational facilities, while other areas will be protected and restored as areas for the enjoyment of nature.

The township offers many opportunities for residents to become involved in community improvement. The Historical Commission is working to research and publish an inventory of the community's historic structures. The Natural Resources Commission has the responsibility to develop programs for the protection of wetlands, farmlands, natural features, and water resources. Citizens are welcome to participate in the Commission's working groups. The Citizens' Green Ways Committee has created a non-motorized pathway plan for the township and helped to obtain grant funding for construction.