The transformation of
Jean Klock Park brought more than $113,000 in new revenue for the city of Benton Harbor in the summer of 2011.
Some of those funds will be combined with a portion of a $200,000 donation from the Whirlpool Co. to go toward enhancing parks across the city.
"The success in Jean Klock Park this past summer is a shining example that opportunities are being created for both a distressed community as well as its residents," says Cornerstone Alliance President Wendy Dant Chesser.
In addition to new revenue being brought in, 23 residents were employed throughout the summer months.
Neighboring Harbor Shores has spent more than $2.7 million to upgrade the public beach bath house and lookout. Walking trails have been built and access to the parking lot has been improved. Harbor Shores also spends another $120,000 each year to maintain public access the park. That includes clean-up, beach preservation and general maintenance of the facilities.
Since its revitalization use of the park has continued to grow.
Throughout the summer of 2011, Harbor Shores and the City of Benton Harbor again offered the free shuttle service to help connect the neighborhoods in Benton Harbor to Jean Klock Park. The Jean Klock Park Express ran continuous loops with 16 bus stops throughout the area. Bus service ran from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day this summer.
"Providing citizens opportunity is what Harbor Shores and community transformation is all about," says Marcus Robinson, President of the Consortium of Community Development and Harbor Shores Trustee. "I could not be more thrilled with the results of the summer season. It is truly rewarding to see jobs and revenue created both of which are resulting in positive opportunities for area residents."
Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave
Source: Jamie Balkin, Cornerstone Alliance
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