MARQUETTE, MI-- Officials want input from the Marquette community on plans for a new, inclusive Kids Cove playground at Mattson Lower Harbor park.
City Director of Community Services Jon Swenson says the current playground was built in 1996. He says it’s showing its age and anyone with mobility concerns would have a hard time using it.
“This project came to be based on the idea that a) we need to replace it because it’s getting toward the end of its useful life, and b) we want in the city of Marquette a playground that would be accessible to all and inclusive to all,” he says.
On Monday at 12:30 residents can meet the design team from Sanders & Czapski Associates, Progressive A&E and Let Kids Play on-site to imagine what a new playground might be like. At 5:30 at Lakeview Arena or by Zoom Mara Kaplan of Let Kids Play will give the background of inclusive design and what it means.
Tuesday at 11:30 residents can chat with the design team, look at examples of equipment, and get an idea of what the playground could look like at a drop-in session at Lakeview. And at 5:30 the public can vote on things they like and provide feedback on design ideas.
The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund awarded a $300,000 grant to Marquette for the Kids Cove project. The group Marquette Playgrounds for All is helping the city raise $300,000 in matching funds.
Swenson says the goal is to break ground on the project next spring as soon as the weather permits.
For more information go to kidscovemqt.com or call Community Services, Marquette Parks and Recreation, at 228-0460.
