City of Benton Harbor taking steps toward Ox Creek Revitalization

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — The City of Benton Harbor is one step closer to transforming Ox Creek and the surrounding Hall Park into a community asset one step at a time, despite a a long road still ahead.

“This creek has been degraded for 100 years,” said Dane Rasmussen, Ox Creek project manager for the city. “We’re taking the big steps we can when funding is available.”

The Benton Harbor City Commission approved adoption of the Ox Creek Revitalization Plan last week after decades of efforts.

Mayor Marcus Muhammad, a Benton Harbor native, recalls growing up near Hall Park and says the area was the start of his love for basketball. He’s hopeful the transformation will turn the once polluted creek from an eyesore to an asset, with trails, kayaking, and fishing opportunities.

Millions of dollars in local, state, and federal funding have already been secured for the multi phase restoration.

Beyond environmental impact, officials say the revitalization will boost economic development and tourism.

“Without water, there can be no economic development,” Muhammad said. “The water has to be pure, as we have Pure Michigan, to make that a reality,” he added.

Rasmussen believes the project will also improve walkability and access to jobs, retail, and the nearby arts district. “It’s going to be this really awesome pedestrian pipeline,” he said.

The City is hosting an Ox Creek Photo Walk on Tuesday September 23rd, offering residents disposable cameras to explore the area.