During the Ribbon Cutting for the new Pullman Town Square, Beautify Pullman President Deb Laraway gave special thanks to the major donors including Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), Consumers Energy Foundation, the Allegan County Community Foundation, Greater South Haven Area Community Foundation, and the Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors. Other contributors were not forgotten as volunteers shared time and talents to build the train, set the “Train Depot” and gazebo, paint buildings and hand rake the grass areas.
Looking around the fenced area, those in attendance could view the gazebo and train station that had been donated by community members, watch children climbing on the newly constructed train or playing the large instruments, walk down the lane to the children’s mural, sit on the central benches, and stand in awe admiring the new pavilion created by Woodside Construction.
Additional funds had been collected through fund raisers along with individual and business contributions.
“We are grateful to all of you who gathered here today because you have helped in so many ways to make our future brighter. Our expectations are high! We live in a township with beautiful natural resources including 6 lakes, the Allegan Forest, ancient Indian Mounds, family farms and independent businesses. Our future is strong and compelling,” Laraway stated.
“We made a decision early on that our work would be quality and stand the test of time and use. You see the results. When we are asked why we’ve expended all this time, money and energy, we simply say, ‘because that’s the way we do things around here!’”
Laraway concluded, “Thank you all for your hard work and for believing in both the dreams of Beautify Pullman and the bright, bright future of our community.”
The Ribbon Cutting on September 24, 2022 signaled the official opening of the Pullman Town Square. Beautify Pullman designed the gathering space at the corner of 109th Avenue and 56th Street as a place for the community to gather with family and friends or just come to relax. Through the efforts of the nonprofit, grants were sought along with contributions of money, time and talent of many who believe Pullman is a wonderful, diverse community in which to grow.
The famous Mr. Teddy sat by his Train Depot and watched the children enjoy the newly constructed train and musical instruments.
From a podium in the new pavilion, President of Beautify Pullman Deb Laraway thanked foundations, donors and community for their assistance in bringing the Pullman Town Square to fruition.
The National Anthem was played as the guard raised the flag to begin the Ribbon Cutting festivities in the Pullman Town Square on Saturday, September 24, 2022.
