$20,000 Grant from Keweenaw Community Foundation Supports New Splash Pad in Laurium

On Monday, June 8, community members gathered at the George Gipp Recreation Area in Laurium to celebrate the grand opening of a new splash pad. The project represents the latest success of a local effort to create more opportunities for children and families to play and enjoy the outdoors. Made possible through the dedication of local volunteers, donors, community leaders, and funding partners, the splash pad was funded entirely through donations totaling approximately $100,000.

The “Splashing Through Laurium” splash pad was supported in part by a $20,000 grant awarded through the Keweenaw Community Foundation's Fall 2024 grant cycle. The project is part of the Village of Laurium's Get Active Initiative, which aims to enhance public gathering spaces and expand recreational opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities.

Since launching in 2023, the initiative has helped bring a new ADA-accessible playground and musical play elements to the George Gipp Recreation Area, while also supporting efforts to sustain and improve the Gipp Ice Arena.

The splash pad builds on that momentum, creating another welcoming space where children can play, families can connect, and community members can enjoy the outdoors together.

“This splash pad project highlights how we can continue to move our communities forward and bring people together around a common goal: having fun. The Village of Laurium is extremely grateful for the KCF as it helped kickstart this project and made this pipe dream turn into a reality for the not only Laurium residents, but for families across the Copper Country.”

— Ian Lewis, Village of Laurium Manager

The Keweenaw Community Foundation is proud to support projects like the community splash pad that bring people together, enhance the quality of life, and create opportunities for people of all ages to connect, play, and thrive.

Congratulations to the Village of Laurium, the Get Active Initiative team, and all the partners and supporters who helped bring this exciting project to life.