It’s time for EVERYONE to play at two new playgrounds in Berrien County!
Berrien Community Foundation was proud to support – and act as fiduciary for – the new Kaleidoscope Playground and Silver Beach County Park Playground. Both projects brought adaptive and inclusive play structures to our community.
The Kaleidoscope Playground at Kiwanis Park in St. Joseph focuses on adaptive elements for mobility-aid users: zip lines, swings, merry-go-round, kaleidoscope tunnel, musical instruments and play structures with ramps.
“We’d go around and often times there was not anywhere for our son, Theo, to play,” said project co-organizer Nikki Stusick. “So, we knew we wanted to bring a space here so that no matter your ability there is a place for you to have fun.”
BCF worked with Stusick and the Kiwanis Club of St. Joseph-Benton Harbor to achieve the dream of building this all-abilities playground. BCF awarded a For Good Grant along with gifts from many donor advised funds to support the project, which Stusick said helped launch their fundraising efforts for the million-dollar play space.
“This playground reflects the heart of what Kiwanis stands for: serving the children of our community and world,” said Kiwanis Club member Julie Kelly. “This is one of our proudest moments. Look what happens when you dream big and the community comes together to support that dream!”
BCF also worked with Berrien County Parks Department to collect over a million dollars to replace the aging playground at Silver Beach. BCF issued a $50,000 match grant challenge to the community and collected donations throughout the entire fundraising efforts.
The playground features a lifeguard play tower, slides, ramps and other elements that encourage movement, spinning and climbing with tactile, visual and auditory experiences.
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