Families in Benton Heights have a brand-new reason to get outside. On September 2, neighbors, community leaders, and supporters gathered to celebrate the opening of Euclid Park with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber.
For many residents, the new community space fills a long-standing need. Before Euclid Park, Benton Heights didn't have a place like this for families to gather, play, and connect close to home.
“It's really a gift to the community,” said Yvette McCoy, who has lived in the neighborhood for 20 years. She brought her 6-year-old grandson to the park, and it’s now his favorite, she said. “Thank you so much to all of you that have made this happen because what this says is that we matter, our community matters and, most importantly, our children matter.”
Located at 1281 N. Euclid Avenue in Benton Harbor, the new gathering place stands where a vacant lot once sat. Neighbors helped shape the vision for the space, sharing ideas and excitement that turned an empty piece of land into a place to play, exercise, enjoy a meal outdoors, and spend time with friends.
“This project represents a significant investment in a quality of life for our future,” said Benton Charter Township Supervisor Kathy Yates. “Not only will the kids be using this, adults will, too. They can walk out here safely, they can meet their friends, they can chat, they don't have to stay home anymore. They can have a place to greet each other.
“We've made something happen in our community that few thought would happen here,” Yates continued. “This park belongs to all of us.”
The idea became reality thanks to a partnership between Benton Charter Township and Berrien Community Foundation, which helped secure a $1 million Michigan Department of Natural Resources Spark Grant to bring the project to life.
“That's the power of when people come together and use their voices — you created a park,” said BCF President Lisa Cripps-Downey. “Thank you everyone for what you’ve done and for letting kids play.”
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