Berrien Springs community rallies to replace beloved playground

New $1 million playground to feature zip line, 14-foot slide, and accessible design

Feb. 6, 2026 at 9:47pm

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The village of Berrien Springs, Michigan is working to replace the aging Wolf's Prairie Playground at Grove Park with a new $1 million playground that will include a zip line, 14-foot tower slide, rock climbing wall, and other features designed with input from local children. The previous wooden playground was a community build that had been a staple for multiple generations, and the new playground will aim to maintain the space as a popular destination for families and schools in the area.

Why it matters

The playground at Grove Park has long been a gathering place and recreational hub for the Berrien Springs community. Its replacement represents an opportunity to invest in a new, modern play space that can continue serving families for years to come, while also incorporating accessibility features to ensure all children can enjoy the amenities.

The details

The village began seeking input from local children on their dream playground features, with a common request being a zip line. The new playground will include the zip line, as well as a 14-foot tower slide overlooking Lake Chapin, a rock climbing wall, swings, and hand-sculpted elements like a kayak and camping area. The design also prioritizes accessibility, with ramp systems and play elements integrated throughout the equipment.

  • The previous playground was taken down over the summer due to its age.
  • The village held an event where children were asked to draw their dream playground, which informed the new design.
  • The $600,000 in funding approved by the Berrien Springs Village Council will cover the initial costs, with additional community fundraising expected to reach up to $1 million total.
  • The goal is to have the new playground ready for use by June 2026.

The players

Jennifer Marren

The village community engagement coordinator who is overseeing the playground replacement project.

Berrien Springs Village Council

The local governing body that approved $600,000 in funding for the new playground.

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What they’re saying

“The previous one surpassed its life. It was a wooden playground, a community build, and it was just time. It was time. It was time to get a new one. And it's been a staple in the community...I myself grew up playing on that playground. So everybody, whether they played on it, their children or now grandchildren, it was a huge staple for multiple generations, two decades in the community.”

— Jennifer Marren, Village community engagement coordinator

“We did an event where we asked the kids to come and draw what their dream playground would be. And what we ended up finding, and it was very sweet, and we'll be sharing this at a later time — the photos — but all of them included a zip line. So they were all aligned, and these kids were coming in throughout the evening. So it's not like they were all sitting together going, 'Oh, yes, zip line!' And so we just were so touched by their drawings. Some included dimensions. I hope these are future architects one day and designers.”

— Jennifer Marren, Village community engagement coordinator

What’s next

Details on the community fundraising effort planned for April 2026 will be released soon.

The takeaway

The replacement of the beloved Wolf's Prairie Playground in Berrien Springs demonstrates the community's commitment to providing high-quality public spaces and recreational opportunities for families. By incorporating input from local children and prioritizing accessibility, the new $1 million playground aims to serve as a hub for the community for years to come.