Bridge to Bay Musical Parklet Marine City, Michigan

The Bridge to Bay Trail is a paved trail that extends from the Blue Water Bridge on Lake Huron along St. Clair County’s coast south to Algonac. The trail, which is being constructed in segments, has now completed 37.5 miles of the 54 planned miles. Parts of the trail share transportation corridors with state highways and county thoroughfares, while other sections pass through quiet wood lots and wetlands.

The trail's purpose is to connect trail users to downtown, neighborhoods, parks, museums, beaches, and lighthouses. Upon reaching Marine City, trail users can stop to carry out any essential bike repairs, relax, and make music in new musical projects located along the trail.

The Musical Parklet located in located behind the Marine City Library was a winner of the Play Everywhere Challenge, a grant-awarding contest from KaBOOM! and the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation. The grant awarded funds for the city to install outdoor musical instruments, including Cherub bells, Cavatina xylophone, Tubular Bells, Rainbow Sambas, an Akadinda marimba, and a seating area, bike racks and small repair stations, and a Bridge to Bay Trail information kiosk.

“The grant opportunity focuses on the implementation of innovative play spaces that encourage creative play, ultimately creating more opportunities for families to incorporate play into their everyday activities,” Deputy Clerk Michele Goodrich said. “The city is always looking for opportunities to develop unused spaces for recreational purposes, which fit within the ideals of the Play Everywhere grant challenge.”

“The city wanted to connect the gap in the Bridge to Bay Trail system within the city limits with a renewed interest in promoting the trail system as an additional recreation choice for community members,” Goodrich said. “The musical parklet is located directly off of the bike path, and we are encouraging visitors to utilize the countywide trail system to access the new parklet.”

The park was designed as a community-build project, and several community members, city commissioners, and representatives from the Marine City Lions Club came out to assist the Department of Public Works employees in installing the project elements.

“Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the city was granted an extension to complete the project — and was finally allowed a grand opening celebration in August,” Goodrich said.

Clerk Kristen Baxter said. “We are excited to share this new, interactive park with our community. It will be fun to see both kids and families alike enjoying it.”

Goodrich said the overall community response has been very positive.

“The all-inclusive musical parklet will provide our residents of all ages and abilities with additional outdoor recreation opportunities, which is great for families who are spending so much time together right now,” she said.

KaBOOM! Grants

One of the biggest challenges facing any community-build playground project is fundraising. That is why KaBOOM! offers communities occasional grant opportunities to begin or complete playspace projects. Visit Kaboom! to learn about all the different grant opportunities available through KaBOOM!