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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 23rd, 2025
SAINT JOSEPH, MI - The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, City of Saint Joseph, Kiwanis Club of St. Joseph-Benton Harbor, and the St. Joseph Parks Foundation invite the community to the Grand Opening Celebration of Kaleidoscope Playground at Kiwanis Park on Monday, June 30th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 1200 Pearl Street in Saint Joseph.
This free, family-friendly event to celebrate the anticipated opening of St. Joseph’s first all-abilities playground, the Kaleidoscope Playground opening will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5:00 p.m., along with face painting, treats, music, giveaways, playground tours, and of course, plenty of fun on the new equipment.
After surpassing their $1.4 million fundraising goal—boosted by a successful benefit event at bread+bar—the project has brought to life a state-of-the-art, all-abilities playground specifically designed to be fully accessible for children of all mobility and sensory needs.
Nicole Stusick shared, “Kaleidoscope Playground is an all-abilities playground that is universally designed to benefit the health and well-being of everyone in our community, regardless of ability or age. The project name is inspired by the evolving perspective of a kaleidoscope as a lens to see every person as a vibrant, dynamic, and diverse part of all communities.”
The playground is designed as an inclusive, multi-generational space where children with and without disabilities can play alongside one another. Every child should have the opportunity to play and that vision guided our design of Kaleidoscope Playground. The playground includes a fully-gated play space designed with accessible and sensory-rich equipment and poured-in-place surfacing for easy adventuring. Some highlighted equipment includes:
- A two-bay accessible zip-line
- A ramped main play structure with a kaleidoscopic tunnel
- A modern merry-go-round and adaptive swing with spaces for wheelchairs
Additional highlights include a a designated toddler play space, and a musical instruments center.
Kaleidoscope Playground is a project led by a volunteer team of local Southwest Michigan residents who recognized the need for a playground where all children can belong. Together with several local organizations, generous donors, and strong community support, the dream to bring this vision to life was possible. The project was generously supported by Judy Felland, John E.N. and Dede Howard, Whirlpool Foundation, Frederick S. Upton Foundation, Berrien Community Foundation, Kiwanis Club International, The Walsh Family, Tim Foley “Breadman” Memorial, local families in the disability community, and many supportive donors. Kaleidoscope Playground is a reflection of the generosity of the Southwest Michigan community celebrating all abilities.
“This project is a testament to what can happen when passionate community organizations and people come together with a shared vision,” said Arthur Havlicek, President & CEO of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber. “Kaleidoscope Playground isn’t just a park—it’s a powerful symbol of progress, belonging, and possibility for every family in our region”
Join us as we officially open this vibrant, inclusive all-abilities space where every child—regardless of ability—can play, learn, and grow together.
Follow along our Instagram @kaleidoscopeplayground for more information.
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