Harbor Shores Development

Benton Harbor, MI—The City of Benton Harbor is pleased to announce that the 2011 Beach Season at Jean Klock Park was a tremendous success. For the first time in a number of years, the entrance gate at the park was staffed and operational from May through September 2011.

Emergency Manager Joseph Harris shared the following statistics:

• 3,494 City of Benton Harbor resident vehicles were counted using the park throughout the season;
• 13,776 non-resident vehicles cars were counted;
• 8 positions created by the City for 20 local residents;
• 3 jobs for local residents created by the concession stand vendor, who reported a successful season as well;
• Ultimately, creating $113 thousand in revenue to assist the City with other park and recreation improvement projects.

Not included in these results is the fact that the City of Benton Harbor receives under the lease provisions, Harbor Shores will make an annual payment of $35,000 per year plus 20 percent of net golf course revenues to the City.

Since 2007, more than $2.7 million has been incurred by Harbor Shores in costs to upgrade the public beach bath house and lookout, build walking trails and improved parking access to the park. Additionally, each year Harbor Shores incurs more than $120,000 to maintain public access to the park including clean up, beach preservation, and general maintenance of the facilities.  Since its revitalization use of the park has expanded tremendously.

Harris shared, "This is truly a win-win situation for the City. One of the City's greatest assets Jean Klock Park is again being used to its fullest potential creating a much needed revenue source at no additional cost to our bottom line. I am very pleased with the results even in a summer season that oftentimes had weather challenges."

Proceeds from revenues collected at Jean Klock Park this summer were used to create youth recreation programming, including purchasing volleyball courts at the park.  A portion of the proceeds from Jean Klock Park operations along with a portion of the Whirlpool donation are being used to improve other City parks in need of repair.

"I am pleased to announce that funds have been used to repair the Morton Fountain at the gateway to Main Street. The fountain is now repaired and running 24-7, a sign of decay has been repaired and turned into a city asset once again. Additionally, funds have been allocated for improvements at the Pipestone/Britain Park. Future plans call to fund improvements to Broadway Park," added Harris.

Harris concluded by sharing, "As we work to improve the financial situation in the City of Benton Harbor while also creating opportunities and amenities for the residents of the City, I can think of no better scenario then the success the City enjoyed at Jean Klock Park this summer.  Jobs were created, revenues gained for additional projects and a positive image of the City of Benton Harbor was conveyed to the thousands of guests that used the Park this summer."

Contact:

Debbie Popp, Group Executive

City of Benton Harbor

200 E. Wall Street

Benton Harbor, MI.  49022

Office: 269-927-8468

Cell:    269-208-5278