open house - september 28, 2023:

YOU ARE INVITED - the public is invited to view multiple new playground concepts and submit feedback and input to help move the project along on Thursday, September 28th, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Silver Beach County Park, 101 Broad Street, St. Joseph, at the playground. County Park Staff and playground professionals will be onsite to answer questions. In case of inclement weather, the event will take place in the Shadowland Ballroom at the Silver Beach Center down the street, 333 Broad Street.

For those who cannot attend the in-person event, view the concepts online at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/jyZHbR9/SilverBeachPlayground and submit your input and feedback through the survey provided. The online survey will be available through October 13.

PROJECT GOAL

Replace the current playground at Silver Beach County Park with a new, improved playground that invites all visitors to come and play without barriers or limitations. To better provide for the wide variety of visitor needs, funds will be used intentionally to incorporate inclusive play and Universal Access Design components.   

WHY?

• Current playground is over 30 years old (constructed in 1991).
• Playground is showing wear and tear and is increasingly more expensive to repair annually.
• Many innovative playground features and structures have been developed since the 90’s. 
• Current playground lacks important accessibility and inclusive elements.    

WHAT?

The new playground will include:

• Variety of innovative elements to encourage movement and climbing, along with tactile, visual and auditory experiences
• Seamless, barrier-free surfaces
• Inclusive play equipment
• Additional seating and shade
• Designs will serve 2-5 & 5-12 yr olds and allow the whole family to play

HOW MUCH?

• Total project cost is $1,250,000
• Berrien County Parks received a Michigan Department of Natural Resources SPARK Grant in early 2023 for $850,000 for the project
• Donations are being sought to raise $400,000 to complete the project  

WHEN?

• Fundraising deadline: December 15, 2023
• Project bid phase December 2023/January 2024 
• Construction Phase anticipated to begin Fall 2024

HOW TO DONATE:

Berrien County Parks has established the Silver Beach County Park Playground Project Fund at the Berrien Community Foundation.

Click here to donate!

Donations can also be mailed or dropped off at:

Berrien Community Foundation  
c/o Silver Beach Playground Project
2900 S. State Street, Ste. 2E
St. Joseph, MI 49085 

For more information about the Silver Beach County Park Playground Project, call 269-983-7111 x8234 or email [email protected]. And, check back on this webpage for project updates.