A Community Effort to Revamp a Local Playground
Bear Lake residents came together on Saturday to celebrate the completion of a major renovation at Hopkins Park. The event highlighted the power of community collaboration and the importance of making public spaces accessible for all.
The $110,200 project focused on updating the playground equipment that has served families in the area for decades. New features were added to ensure inclusivity, such as inclusive swings, a two-person generational swing, a small sensory playhouse for young children, fresh wood chips in fall zones, and overall site clean-up and landscaping. These upgrades make the park more welcoming and functional for children of all abilities.
Funding and Support from Local Organizations
According to village trustee Janene Gee, the project was made possible through a $99,180 grant from the Manistee County Community Foundation’s Minger Family Fund. The village contributed 10% of the total cost, which amounted to $11,020. This was achieved with $5,000 from the Bear Lake Promoters and $5,000 from the Bear Lake Triginta Club, with the promoters later adding an additional $1,020 to meet the full match requirement.
Gee explained that the need for accessible play equipment was a key factor in applying for the grant. “In our area, we have a lot of play equipment at the school, but the majority of it isn’t accessible to the public because it is privately owned,” she said. “Specifically, it’s the younger age group that isn’t being met.”
During her speech at the event, Gee thanked the many contributors who helped bring the project to life, including the Bear Lake Promoters, the Triginta Club, the Manistee County Community Foundation, Sparkle in the Park organizers, and the village council.
Laura Heintzelman, president and CEO of the Manistee County Community Foundation, expressed her excitement about the completed project. “We are thrilled to be a part of the celebration today for the All Access playground in the village of Bear Lake,” she said. “It has really been our honor to have been able to award a grant from the Minger Family Endowment Fund in support of this project to the village of Bear Lake. And we’re grateful to all the community partners that have been a part of making this project happen.”
Before the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Heintzelman shared why the foundation supported the initiative. “Through this collaboration, they’ve been able to install a number of new playground features, as well as making it accessible to all children and families, and it’s right in the heart of downtown Bear Lake,” she said.
Honoring a Community Legacy
The event also paid tribute to Carol Urbanus, who played a significant role in securing the original playground equipment decades ago. Urbanus received a plaque to be displayed in recognition of her contributions.
“I feel very honored to receive this plaque to be displayed,” Urbanus said. “It’s been a privilege over the years to give back to the community through my efforts to improve Hopkins Park and the campground. I want to thank those who, in any way, help to achieve those goals.”
Village president Shelly Lynnes praised the collaborative effort behind the project in earlier statements. “Without the help of Triginta and the promoters putting up the match, this wouldn’t have been possible,” Lynnes had said. “So this is our entire community coming together to see the need and pitching in to help.”
About Hopkins Park
Hopkins Park, located at 7727 Lake St. in Bear Lake, offers a variety of amenities, including 31 campsites, a picnic pavilion, a fishing pier, and a boat launch, along with the newly renovated playground. For more information or to make reservations, visit villageofbearlakemi.gov/hopkins-park.
