Negaunee playground creates family gathering space
By Journal Staff
NEGAUNEE — The city of Negaunee and the Lake Superior Community Partnership celebrated the completion of Jackson Mine Park Playground with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 2.
The playground is located between Tobin Street and the Jim Thomas pavilion, so families are able to gather and parents can easily keep an eye on their children during events and activities at the playground.
“This is an ideal location, providing a perfect sightline for parents to watch their children while enjoying family gatherings,” said City Manager Nate Heffron in a press release. “The playground is a major improvement for our community, and we’re excited to see families enjoy it for years to come.”
A Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund grant from 2017 helped fund construction for the Jim Thomas Pavilion. A group of residents were inspired to pursue the idea of building a playground adjacent to the pavilion, and an additional MDNR Trust Fund grant helped fund the Jackson Mine Park Playground, creating a space for families to come together and enjoy the outdoors.
Financial support from the community also played a critical role in the project’s success. The Negaunee Lions Club contributed $10,000 from the Lions Community Enrichment Fund, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation partnered with the city for a crowdfunding campaign through Patronicity. The campaign raised over $50,000 from the community, which the MEDC matched for a total of $100,000.
The City of Negaunee thanks all the partners, donors and residents who contributed to this project, and states that the new Jackson Mine Park Playground stands as a symbol of community spirit and collaboration.
For more information, contact Heffron at 906-475-7700, ext. 11.