Water plays a big part in this city in the southwestern corner of Michigan. Benton Harbor boasts a river and a Great Lake. The river offers not only a backdrop for recreational boating and fishing, but also for businesses growing along the waterfront. Jean Klok Park is the perfect spot to sit with a bag lunch and enjoy the view. Tourists come for the water sports and stay to check out the area’s fruits and vegetables. Manufacturers like Whirlpool Corp. call it home.
The Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy has 12 properties entrusted to its care. Of those, the Chipman Preserve in Comstock Township draws the most visitors and volunteers. Second Wave's Kathy Jennings reports on what makes this property a place people come back to over and over.
What's Working in Cities is a monthly series in which we take a closer look at people and organizations transforming neighborhoods and driving change in urban areas across the country. What works in Portland, Austin, or Chattanooga will probably work here, too, in some form or another. Let us know what you think.
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