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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 6, 2026
BERRIEN SPRINGS, MI – On April 28, 2002, the Village of Berrien Springs opened
Wolf’s Prairie Playground at Grove Park. For more than two decades, it has been
cherished by the community, visitors, and local schools. After opening, it quickly became
the field trip everyone hoped for—the special reward your class couldn’t wait to earn,
with students eagerly loading onto the bus to play and explore.
For over 20 years, Wolf’s Prairie Playground has been the backdrop of countless
childhood memories. For some, it was the first stop after school. For others, the best
place to play tag or hide-and-seek—especially around the tower, whose secret spot was
a treasure, and whose shrieks you’d hear if you were found during a game of hide-and-
seek. And of course, there was the tire swing, which arguably was worth waiting in line
for—or, if you were lucky and fast enough, the thrill of being the first one there.
Jennifer Marren, Community Engagement Coordinator, adds, “I grew up playing on this
playground myself, and I can attest—the bouncy bridge, running around playing tag, the
tower, and the swings were some of the best parts of the playground. It’s hard not to
smile thinking about it.”
“This playground holds so many memories for our community,” Marren added. “During
our last presentation, it was so touching to hear some of our own council members
recall their moments on this playground—the treacherous monkey bars, or that bouncy
bridge that made everyone nervous until the very end. It was truly such a fun place, and
it’s wonderful to honor that legacy as we build something new for today’s children.”
The Village extends its deepest thanks to everyone who helped build, maintain, and
cherish Wolf’s Prairie Playground over the years. Your time, dedication, and care
created a space where children laughed, played, and grew—and that legacy will always
be part of our community’s story.
With that love also comes responsibility. After careful consideration, the Village made
the difficult but necessary decision to bring new life to this space. Planning for the
replacement playground began in March 2025, and the Village is excited to finally share
the news:
A new playground is coming to Grove Park.
Construction is anticipated to be completed by June, ushering in a new era for Wolf’s
Prairie Playground.
A dedicated playground committee has been working closely with Great Lakes
Recreation to bring the visions of local children to life. The playground design was
directly inspired by drawings created by children who attended a live music event at
Grove Park in September—a past community tradition the Village hopes to bring back
this summer.
“We didn’t want this to be something designed for kids without listening to them,” said
Chris Perez, Chair of the Park Advisory Committee. “Seeing their drawings and ideas
come to life has been one of the most rewarding parts of this project. This playground is
truly shaped by the creativity and imagination of the children who will use it.”
The project is estimated to cost over $860,000. The Village Council has approved
$600,000 toward the project, demonstrating strong support for this new playground. The
Village hopes to secure the remaining funds through grants, community fundraising, and
sponsorship opportunities, giving everyone a chance to help bring the full vision of the
playground to life.
“This investment shows how much our community values spaces where families can
gather, kids can play, and memories can be made,” Perez added. “Now we’re inviting
the community to come together once more—this time saving a few backs—to help
bring the full vision to life.”
The new playground will feature a Pure Michigan Adventure–themed design, honoring
the history and spirit of the Village while creating an inclusive play space for children of
all abilities. Planned features include swings, a zipline, and a 14-foot tower slide offering
views of Lake Chapin. The playground will even feature a hand-sculpted kayak and
camping area, where children can climb, explore, and bring their own adventures to life.
We encourage all the children who attended the September event and submitted their
drawings to join us. We would love to show you what you helped create and have you
be a part of the “Drawn to Play” fundraiser, where we’ll showcase their art just like a true
art show. No art show is complete without the artists themselves. Fundraiser details are
still being coordinated, and more information will be shared at the next playground
committee meeting.
“This playground is a nod to our past and a gift to our future,” Marren added. “Just like
before, we’re asking the community to unite once again—not necessarily with hammers
this time, but with support, encouragement, and shared pride—to build something truly
special for generations to come.”
The next playground committee meeting will be held on February 18 at 5:00 p.m. at
Village Hall in Berrien Springs, and the public is invited to attend.
Fundraising efforts are underway.
Those interested in donating or volunteering are encouraged to email
cec@villageofberriensprings.com or call Village Hall, extension 5.
For updates and more information, visit www.villageofberriensprings.com.
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