The Berrien County Parks Department is raising money for a playground at Silver Beach County Park. Parks Director Jill Adams told county commissioners this week the plan for a new playground goes back several years as the current equipment is more than 30 years old. She wants to install modern equipment that will be accessible to all children.
“The main overall goal for the Silver Beach Playground Project is to create a playground where every kid can come and play,” Adams said. “Their parents and grandparents can come along and play beside them without any barriers or limitations.”
Adams says the parks department has been talking with engineers for design ideas. She’s also been speaking to those who will be affected the most.
“The best thing that I’ve experienced going around to different playgrounds and talking to kids and parents is that personal feedback. Go to a playground, and what’s the highlight? What did the kids like the most. Let’s try to get some of those elements incorporated in.”
The county has been awarded an $850,000 state SPARK grant for the new playground equipment, but Adams says the total project cost is expected to come in at $1.25 million. That’s why she’s raising funds now, and anyone can contribute. The Berrien Community Foundation has helped launched a webpage where donations can be made. We have a link to it at our website. Adams says the goal is to raise $400,000 by the end of the year so installation of the new playground can begin in the fall of next year.
