Nestled along the scenic Bridge to Bay Trail in St. Clair County, Michigan, a unique musical parklet in Marine City invites trail users to pause, play, and connect through music. Stretching from the Blue Water Bridge on Lake Huron to Algonac, the trail weaves through vibrant downtowns, peaceful woodlands, and picturesque waterfronts. Designed to connect communities with parks, museums, beaches, and lighthouses, it offers a rich blend of recreation and discovery.

Transforming an Underused Space into a Community Destination

Located just behind the Marine City Library, the Musical Parklet transforms an underused area into a vibrant, interactive destination for families, cyclists, and visitors of all ages and abilities. The project was made possible through funding from the Play Everywhere Challenge, an initiative led by KaBOOM! and the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, which supports creative play in everyday spaces.

Outdoor Musical Instruments and Features

The parklet features a diverse collection of outdoor musical instruments designed to encourage inclusive, spontaneous play, including:

• Cherub Bells
• Rainbow Cavatina Xylophone
• Tubular Bells
• Rainbow Sambas
• Akadinda

In addition to the instruments, the space includes:

• Bike racks
• Seating areas
• A bicycle repair station
• A trail information kiosk

These elements combine to create a practical yet playful stop along the trail, enhancing both usability and experience.

A Community-Led Creative Build

The Musical Parklet was developed as a community build project, bringing together local volunteers, city officials, members of the Marine City Lions Club, and public works staff. “The goal was to create an innovative play space that encourages creativity and brings play into everyday life,” said a city representative. “It’s a perfect fit for our vision of turning overlooked spaces into community assets.”

Designed with accessibility and engagement in mind, the parklet is directly connected to the bike path, making it a natural stopping point for those exploring the trail. “We wanted to enhance the trail experience and offer something unique for residents and visitors alike,” a city official explained. “The musical parklet is directly accessible from the trail, making it an ideal place to pause and interact.”

Community Impact and Inclusive Play

Since its installation, the parklet has been warmly embraced by the community. Families, children, and trail users of all ages have adopted the space as a joyful and interactive addition to Marine City’s recreational offering. “It’s wonderful to see people of all abilities engaging with the instruments and enjoying the outdoors together,” a city spokesperson shared. “This space truly reflects our commitment to inclusive, creative play.”

Key Outcomes and Takeaways

The Bridge to Bay Musical Parklet demonstrates how small, underutilized spaces can be transformed into vibrant community assets through creativity, collaboration, and thoughtful design. By combining music, movement, and public space, the project:

• Encourages intergenerational play
• Enhances the visitor experience along the trail
• Strengthens community connection
• Promotes accessibility and inclusion

Creating community-built play spaces often comes with funding challenges. That’s why KaBOOM! offers grant opportunities to help communities bring their play projects to life. To explore current opportunities, visit KaBOOM.org/Grants.