The public beaches of South Haven, Michigan draw residents and tourists alike, stimulating the local economy. But on “red flag” days, when beaches are closed, people stay home. The community therefore sought an alternate attraction to mitigate this impact. The new Splashpad® creates an environment that is safe and inviting for families to spend their entire day in the area. The project team worked with classes in two of the community’s elementary schools to developing a custom Elevations™ pirate ship, inspired by Friends Good Will, a replica of a 19th-century tall ship that sails the Black River on daily excursions. Since its opening, the Splashpad has exceeded expectations, with the community embracing its safe aquatic play alternative. And officials also report increased foot traffic in the area, revitalizing the neighborhood and generating buzz about the latest community destination for families.
In Action
