MML March/April 2024 Review Magazine

CEA RUNNERS-UP

2023 Runners-Up

COLDWATER pop. 13,822

Children’s Museum Early education. Downtown revitalization. Historic preservation. That’s what we accomplished when the Coldwater Downtown Development Authority (DDA) helped expand the Children’s Museum of Branch County (CMBC) and relocate it to a vacant downtown storefront. After a robust fundraising campaign that raised $160,000 (including $50,000 from MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places grant), and a $350,000 loan from the city, the DDA and the CMBC renovated over 6,000 square feet in an iconic downtown building. In April of 2023, the CMBC reopened with new exhibits and the capacity to welcome even more students and families for hands-on learning in an engaging environment. The CMBC is now located within a 10-minute walk of half of Coldwater families.

PORT HURON pop. 28,962

McMorran Place Plaza McMorran Place has long served as Port Huron’s civic center. The city welcomed high-profile entertainment such as the international Silver Stick hockey tournament, Port Huron Town Hall, graduations, commencements, and even weddings and other special events. Despite all the exciting things happening inside, the outside plaza was dull, deteriorating, and deserted. With the once underutilized plaza now reenergized, downtown Port Huron sees live music all summer long, an outdoor skating rink during the winter, space to hold special events and festivals, and, most importantly, a gathering spot for families, friends, visitors, and residents to enjoy year-round. With this revitalization, McMorran Place once again serves as the beating heart of downtown Port Huron.

WESTLAND pop. 85,420

Mission to Mars Playground The city’s mission was to create an awe-inspiring Mars-themed playground that ignites children’s imaginations and fosters a sense of adventure and a love for science. With its futuristic design and space-themed elements, the playground will transport children to the Red Planet, allowing them to embark on their own interplanetary exploration. It features towering rocket ships, lunar rovers, slides, and play activities that create a zero-gravity experience. Children can experience the thrill of weightlessness on a space themed swing set and slide down a slide representing a descent onto the Martian surface. The playground’s design prioritizes inclusivity, ensuring that children of all abilities can participate and enjoy the Mars adventure.

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