MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Harris Nature Center was presented with a $5,000 check from Flagstar Bank as part of the Michigan Makeovers Sweepstakes on Wednesday, April 8.

Earlier in the year, residents had an opportunity to vote for what Meridian Township revitalization project they would most like to see, and the Harris Nature Center's Gathering Circle received the most votes. Senior Park Naturalist/Nature Center Coordinator Kit Rich said the Gathering Circle would be used for a variety of purposes, from outdoor education to fine arts.

"We are just so happy to see that so many people wanted to be involved in our Nature Exploration Area," Rich said. "It just really makes our hearts feel good that people want to support us."

Okemos Flagstar Bank Branch Manager Brad Tkaczyk said the sweepstakes was their way of giving back to the community for supporting them when they first opened.

"We appreciate all the projects were submitted, we wish we could do them all." Tkaczyk said. "Okemos has been good to Flagstar, so we wanted to do something good for Okemos."