The donations for building a wintertime gathering place at Dyckman Park in South Haven have met the fundraising challenge. Assistant City Manager Griffin Graham says as of the end of the business day Tuesday, they had raised $40,284, eclipsing the $40,000 goal. The project to build a fireplace and more will cost $105,000. The money raised will be matched with a $40,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and a $25,000 donation from SHOUT. The president of SHOUT, Robert Copping, says the response by the community was “humbling” and says money came from South Haven along with Chicago, Denver, Florida, and Maryland. The goal of the project is to create a wintertime gathering place, visible from the street for residents and visitors to enjoy. It will also complement the nearby pavilion’s ice rink. The intent is to have the project completed in time for winter 2023-24. Donations are still being accepted to cover additional construction costs.
