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.
The Legion of Honor award is given to members who have dedicated at least 25 years of service to the mission of Kiwanis - improving the world one child and one community at a time. Help us recognize these outstanding individuals who have given their time, energy, and hearts to caring for kids! 25 yrs - Dave Miller, Ken Wojcik, Bruce Molineaux 30 yrs - Bob Clark 35 yrs - Gary Sisson, Chris Quattrin, Tom Nelson 40 yrs - Mike Ryan, Jay Wojcik 45 yrs - Bill Hanley, Roy Dost, Dave Brown 50 yrs - Bob Cheek, Jon Sauer 55 yrs - Harvey Johnson 60 yrs - Ken McKeown This group represents more than 660 years of service to Kiwanis!!! ... See MoreSee Less
We had a great time celebrating one whole year of the all-abilities Kaleidoscope Playground! 🛝 Popsicles handed out by Kiwanians and balloon creations by Michigan Twist Co. 🎈added to the FUN 🤩! #kiwaniscaresforkids... 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
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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.
The Legion of Honor award is given to members who have dedicated at least 25 years of service to the mission of Kiwanis - improving the world one child and one community at a time. Help us recognize these outstanding individuals who have given their time, energy, and hearts to caring for kids!
25 yrs - Dave Miller, Ken Wojcik, Bruce Molineaux
30 yrs - Bob Clark
35 yrs - Gary Sisson, Chris Quattrin, Tom Nelson
40 yrs - Mike Ryan, Jay Wojcik
45 yrs - Bill Hanley, Roy Dost, Dave Brown
50 yrs - Bob Cheek, Jon Sauer
55 yrs - Harvey Johnson
60 yrs - Ken McKeown
This group represents more than 660 years of service to Kiwanis!!! ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
We had a great time celebrating one whole year of the all-abilities Kaleidoscope Playground! 🛝 Popsicles handed out by Kiwanians and balloon creations by Michigan Twist Co. 🎈added to the FUN 🤩! #kiwaniscaresforkids ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congrats to our Kiwanis St. Joseph Foundation scholarship winners! We enjoyed celebrating these young leaders and all of their accomplishments. Such bright futures ahead! #KiwanisCares #scholarships #improvetheworldtogether ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook