By Tom Renner
A vision 21 years in the making became a reality on Friday (June 13) when the South Haven Area Recreation Authority (SHARA) and its many donor friends celebrated the opening of three new community soccer fields at its 14th Avenue property. SHARA is responsible for acquiring, constructing, operating, maintaining, and improving parks within its jurisdictional limits.
The 40-acre 14th Avenue location was the site of the former Lappo Lumber Company which was destroyed by fire in 1974. A frisbee golf course was created on part of the property in recent years. A kayak launch was opened at another location last summer. SHARA consists of representatives from the City of South Haven, South Haven Charter Township, South Haven Public Schools and the South Haven Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
To date, SHARA has leveraged $240,000 of its own funding to attract $5.8 million in community investments through grants and partner contributions. Voters in 2024 approved a recreation millage in support of SHARA. The organization is in the process of hiring a director for the program.
