Unveiled: A Harbert Community Park Celebration

Description

CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP TO CELEBRATE NEW AMENITIES AND TRAIL CONNECTION AT HARBERT COMMUNITY PARK

HARBERT, Mich. — June 15, 2026 — Chikaming Township invites residents and visitors to join in Unveiled: A Harbert Community Park Celebration, a ribbon-cutting event recognizing major improvements to Harbert Community Park and celebrating the connections that bring Harbor Country communities together.

The event will take place on Saturday, June 27, at 4:30 p.m. at Harbert Community Park and will be followed by the kickoff of the park's popular summer concert series. Community members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets, enjoy live music, a food truck, and help celebrate the newest additions to this beloved community gathering space. Complimentary iced tea and cake pops will be available for the first 30 attendees. 

Following the ribbon cutting, guests are invited to stay and enjoy an evening of free entertainment. The summer concert series will feature the Weko Boys at 5:30 p.m. and PT & The Cruisers at 7:00 p.m. Cousins Maine Lobster will be on site serving food and attendees are welcome to bring a picnic dinner.

Recent improvements to Harbert Community Park include new pickleball courts, a public restroom facility, ADA-accessible pathways, a trailhead connection to the Red Arrow Linear Park, native landscaping and pollinator plantings, and additional storage facilities to support park operations.

The project was made possible through an $878,700 Michigan Department of Natural Resources ARPA Spark Grant, along with a 10 percent local match from Chikaming Township. The improvements were designed by local architect John Chipman and engineering firm Abonmarche. It reflects the community’s vision for creating welcoming, accessible recreational opportunities for residents and visitors of all ages.

The new trailhead connection strengthens access to the Red Arrow Linear Park, a regional trail system that links communities throughout Harbor Country and provides opportunities for walking, biking, recreation, and exploration.

The enhancements extend beyond recreation and accessibility. Through the Township’s Parks Ambassadors program, volunteers have been helping establish native plantings and pollinator-friendly landscapes throughout the park. The program has attracted renewed interest from community members eager to support the stewardship and beautification of Chikaming Township’s parks and public spaces.

“This project represents much more than new amenities,” said David Bunte, Chikaming Township Supervisor. “This investment reflects our community’s vision for creating accessible, welcoming spaces where residents and visitors can connect, stay active, and enjoy the natural beauty of Harbor Country. We are grateful for the support of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources through the ARPA Spark Grant program, as well as the many local partners, volunteers, and community members whose collaboration helped bring this project to life.”

The event also coincides with Celebrate Red Arrow Trail Days, a regional initiative highlighting the trail network connecting communities from Sawyer to New Buffalo and encouraging residents and visitors to experience Harbor Country by foot or bicycle.

“One of the most rewarding parts of this project has been seeing how quickly people have embraced these new amenities,” said Joe Martin, Chikaming Township Parks Director. “From pickleball players and dog park visitors to cyclists and walkers using the Red Arrow Trail connection, the park is bringing together people of all ages and interests. These improvements have expanded opportunities for recreation while making the park a more welcoming destination for residents and visitors.”

For more information, visit www.chikamingtownship.org or contact Chikaming Township.