Burton, Michigan

Located in southeastern Genesee county, approximately 60 miles north of Detroit, Burton occupies an area of approximately 23.5 square miles. Originally organized as a township in 1856 the area was named after John Burton, a prominent local farmer.

Over the years the area gained population and changed from an agricultural community to a thriving suburban community. In 1829 there were a handful of residents living in the Atherton Settlement. According to the 2000 Census the population has grown to 30,308. To keep pace the city government has had to expand. The Police Department has grown from 20 part time to 41 full time police officers. The Fire Department has a full time Chief, Assistant Chief, and 64 paid “on-call” firefighters serving the city from three fire stations.

Recreational opportunities abound in Burton. The park system includes Kelly Lake Park, a 40 acre facility with a lake, nature trails, picnic pavilion, and a newly asphalted bike path. There is also For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum, a 380 acre complex featuring the DeWaters Education Center and the Corydon E. Foot Bird Collection. In addition to its parks Burton is home to two 18-hole golf courses and a year-round indoor ice skating arena.