CHAMPION, MI-- What could be one of the nicest playgrounds in the U.P. is being installed at Van Riper State Park in Marquette County this week.
Park Supervisor Doug Barry says visitors and the group Friends of Van Riper and Craig Lake State Parks saw the dilapidated state of Van Riper’s playground and wanted to do something about it.
“So the Friends group took that on. They went and sought out grants, and we got a huge grant from Cliffs-Lundin. Then we were able to match it with some DNR grants and the playground manufacturer had a grant, too—GameTime,” Barry says.
The playground’s price tag comes in at about $225,000.
Barry didn’t have to pay for labor, though. Members from several units of the 107th Engineer Battalion in Ishpeming took some vacation time to help put the playground together. Major Lucas Lanczy says it feels good to be part of a project that benefits the community.
“I’ve been going on 16 years of service doing this, and the entire time the community has always been so supportive of the Guard and its members,” he says. “It’s great to be able to take a couple of days off, come here with my old team and give something back.”
Barry notes people in wheelchairs will also be able to take advantage of what the playground offers.
For more information, call Van Riper State Park at 906-339-4461.
