South Haven to debut new ‘winter gathering place’
SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD) — The city of South Haven is ready to officially unveil a brand new gathering spot for residents to enjoy, especially during the winter.
A new fireplace has been installed and is now operating during the colder months at Dyckman Park. It is next to the ice rink at Huron Street Pavilion.
The idea came from the local nonprofit organization, SHOUT, which contacted the city’s offices last fall about wanting to add the space for residents to enjoy.
“They are always very generous to our city and looking for ways that can improve our city and add to the beautification,” South Haven Mayor Annie Brown said.
Brown said the fireplace will be operated by the city to ensure that it is kept lit at specific times set by officials on the project.
The space was dedicated to the life of Bob Strickland, who died in 2022 after working for the city in many capacities for over 20 years.
“He was always active and respected,” Brown said. “This is a way that we can keep his memory alive.”
SHOUT, which is made up of citizens who work on decoration projects in South Haven, used donations from communities across the state and even country alongside a $40,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The $110,000 project was completed late last year and has been open to the public since.
While it has been open for a several weeks now, Brown told News 8 that it was decided that an official grand opening would be held Sunday as a finale to the 30th annual Ice Breaker Festival, which kicks off Friday.
The mayor said that she was surprised by how popular the space has already become and is excited for it to serve as a welcoming spot to South Haven’s downtown.
“I can’t think of a better physical place to have when you enter our downtown because it’s a warming place that is a gathering place and a welcoming place to our downtown. And that’s what South Haven is all about.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will celebrate the space on Sunday at 2 p.m.
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