MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, MI – The City of Muskegon Heights is seeking proposals from developers for a downtown wading pool space.

City leaders discuss a wading pool at Rowan Park, 2800 Maffett St. at Broadway Avenue.

After receiving a $948,800 Department of Natural Resources Spark Grant from the Council of Michigan Foundations earlier this year, the city is now seeking proposals for the downtown park project in the same amount.

“To have a park that’s been redesigned so that we have a place to go and meet and be a community – I’m really excited to see what that’s going to look like,” said City Councilwoman and Mayor pro tempore Kellie Kitchen. “The water play area for the kids is going to be great.”

The notice was released Wednesday morning by the City of Muskegon Heights, the Community Foundation of Muskegon and Greater Muskegon Economic Development.

Future construction phases include the creation of a playground, general park improvements, and a parking expansion on Broadway Avenue. These additional phases are not part of this project.

On Tuesday afternoon, community members provided city officials with feedback on the wading pool and park amenities.

Kalaya Thomas of Metro Consulting led an interactive presentation of the wading pool concept designs. Residents asked questions and offered ideas for additional designs and color schemes.

“I’m really excited about the turnout and the opportunity for the community to have their say and help decide what they want it to look like,” Kitchen said.

Thomas explained the circular design of the wading pool, which will have a wall with openings and water coming out of the ground. The wading pool will be accessible for children in wheelchairs, and the bathrooms will have changing tables for adults with disabilities as well as traditional changing tables for babies.

There will also be a changing area in the bathrooms so that visitors to the paddling pool do not have to go home in wet clothes.

Participants gave feedback, for example that they would like benches with backrests instead of just slats to sit on and that there should be bicycle racks.

A bike path is planned for the later redesign of Broadway Avenue.

Signage with the rules for the paddling pool, landscaping, a fountain and a foot washing station were also included.

Now that the request for proposals has been published, developers have until October 2 to submit their proposals. The city could then interview up to three companies and must select and approve a contract by October 15.

“We hope to break ground this year, but most of the improvements will be made next year,” said GMED’s Cathy Brubaker-Clarke. “We hope to have the wading pool up and running during the season (next year).”

The entire project is scheduled to be completed by November 30, 2025.

“We believe the revitalization of Rowan Park is more than just a renovation; it is a renewed commitment to the well-being and prosperity of all Muskegon Heights residents,” Muskegon Heights Mayor Bonnie McGlothin said in a press release earlier this year. “This project symbolizes hope, unity and continued momentum for our community.”

The entire redesign of Rowan Park is expected to cost a total of $1,270,000. In addition to the Spark Grant that is funding the splash pad, the city also received $250,000 from the Consumers Energy Foundation and $20,000 from Muskegon County for the project.

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