The Greater Bridgman Area Chamber and Growth Alliance is teaming up with the Bridgman American Legion and the city of Bridgman for a new campaign to construct a playground in the city.
The CGA’s Nancy Kiernan tells us the Salute the Troops Playground will be located on the American Legion property to honor the service of veterans while providing a safe place for kids to play. The American Legion had the idea.
“They have a big lawn and they’ve had a park there, which really only had one swing in it,” Kiernan said. “There was a tree swing and they had wanted to work with the city on this project.”
So, the CGA decided to get involved to give three-pronged approach to the fundraising campaign.
Kiernan says the playground will feature equipment kids can climb on, play on, and swing on. And it’ll be designed to salute the troops.
“So you’ll have a jeep that the kids can climb on that looks like an Army jeep. You’ll have a rocket that can be interacted with for the Space Force. You will have a boat that obviously represents the Navy.”
Kiernan says the partners behind this project will launch the capital campaign with a 1940s Stars and Stripes event at the American Legion Hall featuring a big band, dancing, food, and a silent auction on November 8. Tickets are available now, and all proceeds will go to the playground project.
The playground’s expected to cost $250,000, and additional fundraising events will be held, including a possible crowdfunding effort. Kiernan says once the Salute the Troops Playground is finished, the city of Bridgman will manage its maintenance.
