The city of Benton Harbor has received an award for its ongoing Ox Creek restoration project.
Speaking to city commissioners on Monday, city Waterfront Restoration and Revitalization Project Manager Dane Rasmussen said the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative has recognized Benton Harbor with its Wege Award in the Small Cities Sustainability Best Practices category. He said the Wege Award goes to meaningful projects that protect water quality and could be used as inspiration for other cities.
“The city was recognized for Ox Creek Restoration and Revitalization Project,” Rasmussen said. “In addition to being recognized as the winner of the Wege Award, Benton Harbor will also receive a $4,000 contribution to support the project.”
Rasmussen said the award could be used for anything related to the Ox Creek Corridor or Hall Park. City Manager Alex Little said it could contribute to a splash pad under consideration.
“I’m working on a project to try to get funding for the splash pad. I’m working with MEDC and also some private companies that are hopefully going to participate in us coming up with the funding to do that.”
Mayor Marcus Muhammad said the splash pad has been “major to-do for some time.”
Rasmussen said the city will officially receive the award at the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Cities Initiative Award Gala during its 2026 conference in Hamilton, Ontario.
