The Kaleidoscope Playground at Kiwanis Park, located at 1126 Pearl Street in St. Joseph, MI, officially opened on June 30, 2025, and features accessible play areas designed to promote the health and well-being of everyone, regardless of ability or age.
The main features include a merry-go-round accommodating wheelchairs alongside traditional seats, a double zipline with extra support for children with disabilities to play alongside their peers, a ramped structure featuring a climbing tower and a wheelchair-accessible tunnel, musical instruments for children to enjoy, swings, and a dedicated toddler area.
The $1.4 million project was funded by several local donors, including Judy Felland, John and Dede Howard, the Whirlpool Foundation, the Frederick S. Upton Foundation, the Berrien Community Foundation, the Walsh Family, the Tim Foley “Breadman” Memorial, the Kiwanis Club of St. Joseph/Benton Harbor, the Kiwanis Children’s Fund, and many others.
The name Kaleidoscope was chosen for the playground because it reflects the vision of the space as an all-inclusive area for people of all abilities.
The word embodies the idea of seeing every person, regardless of ability, as a vibrant, dynamic, and diverse part of the community. Just as a kaleidoscope transforms different elements into beautiful and ever-changing patterns, the playground seeks to create a lively and inclusive environment where everyone can play and feel a sense of belonging.
Essentially, the name “Kaleidoscope Playground” serves as both a symbol and a metaphor for the playground’s commitment to fostering a lively, unified space that celebrates the unique qualities and abilities of each individual.
The photos shown above were taken by Kiwanis Member Kenneth McKeown at the Grand Opening of the Kaleidoscope Playground on July 8, 2025
What is Kiwanis? We are an eclectic mix of ages, genders, occupations, backgrounds, and interests. We are all passionate about making our community and the world a better place for children so they can thrive.
So proud of these outstanding young leaders!This weekend, 360 Michigan high school members from 32 schools gathered to celebrate a year of service, leadership, and impact through Key Club. Students participated in breakout sessions focused on leadership skills, club organization, hands-on service projects, and fundraising techniques.
Of the clubs sponsored by the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor Kiwanis Club, both St. Joseph and Lakeshore were proudly represented by 34 members, along with advisors Katie Woodard (LHS) and Lauri Berry (SJHS). We are so grateful for the ongoing support, direction, and enthusiasm of our Kiwanis partners — and our members truly appreciated seeing the Good Luck ads scrolling across the conference screens!
Student Key Club State Elected Positions – We Are So Proud!
* Sukainah Saleem (St. Joseph freshman)* – Elected 2026–27 Lieutenant Governor for Division 8 * Aminah Garcia (St. Joseph junior)* – Elected 2026–27 Michigan District Bulletin Editor * Riya Veershetty (St. Joseph junior)* – Endorsed to run for International Trustee at ICON
We also want to recognize these outstanding student leaders for their year of district-level service:
* Samaira Suri (Lakeshore junior) – Division 8 Lieutenant Governor * Joe Berry (St. Joseph senior) – District Treasurer * Juhi Bhatt (St. Joseph senior) – District Secretary
Thank you for representing our schools with excellence!
Student Key Club Conference Awards: 1st Place – Partners in Service Award • $200 raised through our UNICEF Trick-or-Treat campaign • $400 raised for The Thirst Project through our Culver’s Give Back Night and bracelet sales Outstanding Executive Board Member Award – Juhi Bhatt 3rd Place – Traditional Scrapbook Early Bird Dues Award – Thanks to Riya Veershetty 2nd Place – Kiwanis Family Relations Award
We could not be more proud of the leadership, service, and heart our students demonstrate every single day. The future is bright! Go Bears! ... See MoreSee Less
This week we heard from club member and Assistant Superintendent of SJ Schools Amy Dirlam. She shared how professional development of teachers is a critical part of SJ Schools strategic plan. On this Valentine’s Day, we want to give heartfelt thanks 💗 to Amy and all of the area administrators, teachers and support staff who put in thousands of hours of work and study, year-round, to help our kids get an outstanding education. 📚🎭🔬💻🎼🧮 ... See MoreSee Less
Our club was happy to hear from Aravind Ale, Co-owner and Chef for @intaliarestaurant opening in March! He made our mouths water describing the flavorful fusion foods from India and Italy that he will prepare. Aravind also shared his big heart for helping children and the community. Be sure to check out Intalia on Glenlord Rd in Stevensville! ... See MoreSee Less
Kaleidoscope Playground
The Kaleidoscope Playground at Kiwanis Park, located at 1126 Pearl Street in St. Joseph, MI, officially opened on June 30, 2025, and features accessible play areas designed to promote the health and well-being of everyone, regardless of ability or age.
The main features include a merry-go-round accommodating wheelchairs alongside traditional seats, a double zipline with extra support for children with disabilities to play alongside their peers, a ramped structure featuring a climbing tower and a wheelchair-accessible tunnel, musical instruments for children to enjoy, swings, and a dedicated toddler area.
The $1.4 million project was funded by several local donors, including Judy Felland, John and Dede Howard, the Whirlpool Foundation, the Frederick S. Upton Foundation, the Berrien Community Foundation, the Walsh Family, the Tim Foley “Breadman” Memorial, the Kiwanis Club of St. Joseph/Benton Harbor, the Kiwanis Children’s Fund, and many others.
The name Kaleidoscope was chosen for the playground because it reflects the vision of the space as an all-inclusive area for people of all abilities.
The word embodies the idea of seeing every person, regardless of ability, as a vibrant, dynamic, and diverse part of the community. Just as a kaleidoscope transforms different elements into beautiful and ever-changing patterns, the playground seeks to create a lively and inclusive environment where everyone can play and feel a sense of belonging.
Essentially, the name “Kaleidoscope Playground” serves as both a symbol and a metaphor for the playground’s commitment to fostering a lively, unified space that celebrates the unique qualities and abilities of each individual.
The photos shown above were taken by Kiwanis Member Kenneth McKeown
at the Grand Opening of the Kaleidoscope Playground on July 8, 2025
Facebook
Kiwanis Club of St. Joseph Benton Harbor
What is Kiwanis? We are an eclectic mix of ages, genders, occupations, backgrounds, and interests. We are all passionate about making our community and the world a better place for children so they can thrive.
So proud of these outstanding young leaders!This weekend, 360 Michigan high school members from 32 schools gathered to celebrate a year of service, leadership, and impact through Key Club. Students participated in breakout sessions focused on leadership skills, club organization, hands-on service projects, and fundraising techniques.
Of the clubs sponsored by the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor Kiwanis Club, both St. Joseph and Lakeshore were proudly represented by 34 members, along with advisors Katie Woodard (LHS) and Lauri Berry (SJHS). We are so grateful for the ongoing support, direction, and enthusiasm of our Kiwanis partners — and our members truly appreciated seeing the Good Luck ads scrolling across the conference screens!
Student Key Club State Elected Positions – We Are So Proud!
* Sukainah Saleem (St. Joseph freshman)* – Elected 2026–27 Lieutenant Governor for Division 8
* Aminah Garcia (St. Joseph junior)* – Elected 2026–27 Michigan District Bulletin Editor
* Riya Veershetty (St. Joseph junior)* – Endorsed to run for International Trustee at ICON
We also want to recognize these outstanding student leaders for their year of district-level service:
* Samaira Suri (Lakeshore junior) – Division 8 Lieutenant Governor
* Joe Berry (St. Joseph senior) – District Treasurer
* Juhi Bhatt (St. Joseph senior) – District Secretary
Thank you for representing our schools with excellence!
Student Key Club Conference Awards:
1st Place – Partners in Service Award
• $200 raised through our UNICEF Trick-or-Treat campaign
• $400 raised for The Thirst Project through our Culver’s Give Back Night and bracelet sales
Outstanding Executive Board Member Award – Juhi Bhatt
3rd Place – Traditional Scrapbook
Early Bird Dues Award – Thanks to Riya Veershetty
2nd Place – Kiwanis Family Relations Award
We could not be more proud of the leadership, service, and heart our students demonstrate every single day. The future is bright! Go Bears! ... See MoreSee Less
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This week we heard from club member and Assistant Superintendent of SJ Schools Amy Dirlam. She shared how professional development of teachers is a critical part of SJ Schools strategic plan.
On this Valentine’s Day, we want to give heartfelt thanks 💗 to Amy and all of the area administrators, teachers and support staff who put in thousands of hours of work and study, year-round, to help our kids get an outstanding education. 📚🎭🔬💻🎼🧮 ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Our club was happy to hear from Aravind Ale, Co-owner and Chef for @intaliarestaurant opening in March! He made our mouths water describing the flavorful fusion foods from India and Italy that he will prepare. Aravind also shared his big heart for helping children and the community. Be sure to check out Intalia on Glenlord Rd in Stevensville! ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook