On Friday, April 26th at 4:00 p.m. the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber in collaboration with their subsidiary the Greater Bridgman Chamber & Growth Alliance (CGA) and the City of Bridgman will host the official Ribbon Cutting celebration of the new playground equipment at Toth Street Park.
In early 2023, Toth Street Park was the recipient of multiple substantial grants specifically for updating the playground equipment, including $50,000 from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, $75,000 from the AEP Foundation, $2,500 from the Lakeshore Rotary Club Board, and $2,500 from the MParks Foundation. Rounding out the additional funding needed to complete the project were $200,000 in private donations that were earmarked specifically for the project.
“We took the residents’ suggestions and met with our engineers to create a space that is safe, accessible, and inviting for any and all ages to enjoy. This included relocating the playground to behind the pavilion instead of directly next to the parking lot and creating a space for parents to connect while watching their children play,” says Sara Ball, Parks and Recreation Director.
“Toth Street Park’s new playground would not have been possible without the families that spoke up regarding the need for updates before and during master planning. Seeing their passion and excitement over the park, we encouraged them to take a hands-on approach in helping us create a playground that will be equally as well-loved as the prior structure,” says Juan Ganum, Bridgman’s City Manager.
The two-year long process included evaluating the former playground equipment, securing bids for design and installation, securing funding, and allowing the community to vote on which playground equipment layout they preferred.
“The City of Bridgman continues to lead by example, engaging its residents, staff, and elected officials to come together creating opportunities for upgrades and development for all. We applaud them, the grant funders, and everyone who donated to make this a reality,” says Arthur Havlicek, President & CEO of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber.
“Toth Street Park is one of many examples of what makes Bridgman such a wonderful place to live, work, and play. The upgrades to the park and the playground equipment will continue to attract surrounding families, who will then explore the shops and restaurants, and if they haven’t already, fall in love with everything the City and Lake Charter Township have to offer,” adds Nancy Kiernan, Director of the Greater Bridgman CGA.
Toth Street Park offers 7-acres of land and includes a large green space, basketball courts, a fenced-in dog park, a pavilion with bathrooms, a walking track, and cornhole boards.
For more information on Toth Street Park, visit www.bridgman.org/233/Toth-Street-Park, call 269-465-5144
Photo: MOTM file photo, generic new playground
