The Township of Thornapple is 36 square miles located in northwest Barry County, 20 miles south of Grand Rapids.  It was named after its connection with the Thornapple River whose waters bisect the township.  Although rural in nature, the township and the village of Middleville have grown to become the home of over 8,000 people.  The "Scales Prarie" area west of the village features some of the most productive farmland in the county.  Barry County’s largest employer, Bradford White Corporation, a manufacturer of water heaters, is located in Middleville.



The Township is governed by a seven member Township Board that meets the second Monday of each month. Township Officials are elected every four years. Following is a list of the current board.

All terms expire November 2012

Supervisor: Donald E. Boysen (supervisor@thornapple-twp.org)
Clerk: Susan J. Vlietstra (clerk@thornapple-twp.org)
Treasurer: Debra K. Buckowing (treasurer@thornapple-twp.org)
Trustees: Ross DeMaagd, Walter Eavey, Patrick Harrison, and William Kenyon

Thornapple Township provides various services to its residents including having the following departments: administration, assessing, cemetery, elections, emergency services, highways and roads, parks and recreation, planning, treasurer/tax and sewer/utilities.

For more information about Barry County go to  http://www.barrycounty.org