The Berrien County Parks Department is ‘oh so close’ to its fundraising goal for the Silver Beach Playground equipment project.
“The fundraising progress bar is at 96% toward the overall goal of $1,250,000. Thanks to nearly 150 businesses, non-profits, civic organizations, and individuals who have supported and granted or donated funds to get the project this far”, said Jill Adams, Berrien County Parks Department Director.
This support includes a recent grant received from the Whirlpool Foundation.
The project will replace the previous 33 year old playground with a new, improved, accessible playground on the beaches of Lake Michigan. In Fall 2023, during the public comment period, over 200 people responded with ideas, suggestions and feedback to help develop the Silver Beach Playground design. By reaching the maximum fundraising goal, the County Parks team will be able to bring each of those chosen design features to the new playground. The new playground is scheduled to open before Summer 2025.
Tax-deductible donations can be made through Berrien Community Foundation online at www.berriencommunity.org/SilverBeachPlayground. Or, funds can be mailed or dropped off at the Foundation office, c/o Silver Beach Playground Project, 2900 S. State Street, Ste. 2E, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
Silver Beach County Park welcomes an average of 718,000 people annually. “The new playground is designed to welcome children of all ages and abilities, along with older siblings, parents and grandparents, to get out there and play together. Please consider being a part of the next 30 years of play at Silver Beach by donating to the playground project”, said Jaysen Field, Silver Beach County Park Manager.
Project updates and the donation Support Levels are listed at www.berriencounty.org/1908/Silver-Beach-Playground-Project or call Berrien County Parks, 269-983-7111 x8234, or email parks@berriencounty.org for more project
