(March 20, 2026 12:11 PM ET) The Jackson County Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of new playground equipment for Sparks Foundation County Park (Cascades Park) at its regular meeting this week.
Kyle Lewis, Parks and Recreation Director, told the board the current playground, installed in 1991, is slated to be replaced in the 2026 Capital Improvement Plan.
The County will be using a grant awarded for “Inclusive Play,” ensuring people with disabilities have opportunities to participate. This playground will be the county’s most accessible/inclusive playground.
The equipment and installation will be provided by Playcore Wisconsin Inc, dba GameTime at a total cost of $776,698. The Statewide Initiative Grant of approximately $150,000 will reduce the cost to approximately $625,000.
The playground is scheduled to be installed in the fall of 2026.
At the same meeting, the board approved a grant application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund for $276,000 for the renovation of Swains Lake County Park and Fishing Access. The board committed to matching the grant, if awarded, for development and renovation of the existing parking lot and trail system, and the addition of a fishing pier. That project would be scheduled for 2027.
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