City of Grand Ledge Celebrated Ribbon-Cutting for New ADA Playground at Jaycee Park
$1.3M Universally Accessible Space Made Possible Through Community Enhancement Grant and Dedicated Community Partners
Grand Ledge, Michigan — (June 1, 2026) — The City of Grand Ledge and the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the official completion of the new universally designed, ADA playground in Jaycee Park on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Jaycee Park is located at 525 E. River Street, Grand Ledge, MI 48837.
Included were brief remarks, recognition of partners and supporters, a bounce house, A&W hot dogs, and the official opening of the new playground.
The project was made possible in part through LEAP’s Community Enhancement Grant (CEG) program, administered in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), which invested $250,000 in the project as part of a broader effort to revitalize downtowns and public spaces across Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties.
The newly redeveloped, approximately $1.3 million playground replaces 30-year-old equipment with a universally designed, fully ADA-accessible space in the heart of downtown Grand Ledge, representing a commitment to safe and welcoming recreation.
“This new playground shows what can happen when a community comes together to invest in its families and future,” said Mayor Keith Mulder. “We are excited to celebrate this achievement and officially open the new playground for everyone to enjoy.”
The playground was funded through a combination of public investment, grant support, business sponsorships, and individual donations. Project sponsors who awarded funding totaling over $1.1 million include the City of Grand Ledge’s Downtown Development Authority, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)’s Community Enhancement Grants program, Eaton County Community Parks Grant, and the Healthy Kids Initiative.
The Community Enhancement Grant was provided via funding through the Michigan state legislature in 2025 called RAP.
“The new accessible playground at Jaycee Park is more than equipment,” said Representative Emily Dievendorf. “It’s a statement about who we are as a community. When we design spaces that welcome every child, we build a stronger, more connected Grand Ledge for all of us.”
“We strive to create a welcoming community for all, and that goal is being carried forward through the new accessible playground at Jaycee Park,” said State Senator Sarah Anthony. “Built through the work of this public-private partnership and our Grand Ledge neighbors, businesses, and leaders, this park will serve as a place where every child is welcome. I am proud to represent a community that is dedicated to showing up for one another to ensure everyone has a place.”
“Projects like this are exactly what the Community Enhancement Grant program was designed to support,” said Bob Trezise, LEAP president and CEO. Grand Ledge has created something that goes beyond a playground — it’s a gathering place that reflects the pride and character of this community. Inclusive, accessible public spaces strengthen downtown vitality, attract families, and help build the kind of region where businesses want to grow and people want to stay. If we’re going to keep and grow our young generation of the future, creating “place” like this is essential economic development.”
Additional project support came from an extraordinary outpouring of community giving, with individuals, families, organizations, and businesses contributing gifts ranging from $20 to $25,000 to help bring the project to life.
Among the project’s leadership supporters were: Silver Sponsors: In Memory of Catherine & Brice Smith, Consumers Credit Union, Dave & Dianne Mohnke Family, and Denise & Keith Mulder; Bronze Sponsors: Fishbeck, Rotary Club of Grand Ledge, MacKenzie Companies, Dale & Betty Mulder; and Builder Sponsors: Exteriors of Lansing, Flour Child Bakery and Café, Jeffrey & Sally Harrold, Steven & Leslie Mohnke, Slabtown Paper Shapes, and The Sun Theatre.
The city extends its gratitude to every donor and supporter whose generosity helped create a welcoming and inclusive space for the entire community. “While some organizations and families provided transformational gifts, this playground was truly built one donation at a time,” remarked Mayor Mulder.
About the City of Grand Ledge:
Nestled along the scenic Grand River, the City of Grand Ledge is a vibrant community dedicated to creating inclusive spaces and enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike. With a strong commitment to accessibility, sustainability, and community-driven development, Grand Ledge continues to invest in a future where everyone is welcome. For more information, visit www.cityofgrandledge.com and follow @CityofGrandLedgeGovernment.
