New park planned to provide ‘much-needed gathering space in the heart of Sawyer’
"Kohn Park will bring a much-needed gathering space to the heart of Sawyer—celebrating community, creativity and connection,” says David Bunte, Chikaming Township Supervisor.
What’s happening: A vacant lot is poised to become a community asset in downtown Sawyer as project stakeholders rally to build a new park complete with public art, children’s programming, and more. Kohn Park, as it’s to be called, is envisioned as a sort of town square for a community that has long lacked one.
Backstory: The Kohn family has donated the land to the project, which will transform the downtown parking lot into Kohn Park. It’s the latest community building effort from Beverly and the late Jerry Kohn, who have a long history of entrepreneurial and philanthropic in the community.
What’s planned: Kohn Park is to act as the central community gathering place for Sawyer and Chikaming Township at large, featuring the installation of a sculptural shade structure, a local artist’s custom bronze sculpture, a children’s interactive music station, and more. The park will incorporate aspects of universal accessibility to ensure that the new public space is accessible to all members of the public regardless of their ability for mobility. Live performance programming is also included in park plans.
How they’re doing it: The Kohn Park project has been accepted into the state’s placemaking initiative Public Spaces Community Places, a joint effort from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity. As part of the initiative, organizers have launched a $75,000 crowdfunding campaign on the Michigan-based Patronicity platform. Should they successfully reach their goal by 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 2, the MEDC will contribute a $75,000 matching grant to the project.
Learn more about the Kohn Park project on Patronicity.
Why it’s important: “Creativity, listening and inclusion by the Sawyer community and its leaders will result in a space that families and neighbors will soon say they can’t imagine being without,” says Dan Gilmartin, executive director and CEO of the Michigan Municipal League. “That’s the power of placemaking and working together to foster a sense of belonging for all in a community.”
Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith.
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