BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- Recently renovated Charles Yarbrough Park in Benton Harbor will hold a dedication ceremony on Saturday, May 17.

"The park, named after the late Charles Yarbrough, who served as Benton Harbor’s mayor from 1997 to 2003, is an important space for families in the community," organizers said.

The park is the third local park that has been revitalized with funding from the Whirlpool Foundation and the help of Whirlpool employees, city officials, and other local volunteers.

“Benton Harbor has been the home of Whirlpool Corporation for over 100 years, and our employees are deeply rooted in this community,” said Marc Bitzer, Whirlpool Corporation’s chairman and CEO.

“Working with the City of Benton Harbor and making a tangible difference to a beautiful location like Charles Yarbrough Park is just one way we can show our commitment to a community that so many of us love.”

The dedication will take place at 3 p.m.at W. Empire & Riverview Dr.

Mayor of Benton Harbor Marcus Muhammad, Berrien County commissioner and widow of Charles Yarbrough Mamie Yarbrough, and Benton Harbor City Manager Alex Little will be in attendance. 

“Charles Yarbrough was an inspiration to this community, and the renovations to the park named in his memory will allow this space to continue to further that legacy,” said Muhammad.

“Each year we look forward to collaborating as a community to bring an important community space like this, back to prominence – these are the jewels of our community and part of the foundation for how we live together in Benton Harbor.”

Some of the park projects include:

• Resurfacing the park’s deck along the river and adding a new sidewalk
• Building a new bathroom plaza
• Updating the park’s play area
• Design, construction, and installation of a Charles Yarborough monument
• Creation of a community serenity garden and expanded landscaping around the perimeter of the park

“The revitalization work at Charles Yarbrough Park is a continued desire and dream that this beautiful park will continue to be cared for by my family,” said Mamie Yarbrough, Berrien County commissioner and widow of Charles Yarbrough. “This transformation will bring more families together and invite even more to visit our lovely community.”