The Greater Bridgman Area Chamber of Commerce and Growth Alliance is spreading the word about another way people can support the new Salute the Troops Playground being planned for the American Legion property in town.

The community playground seeks to honor those who have served in the military while giving kids a safe place for some fun, and fundraising started last year. Bridgman CGA Board Chair Cheri Heward tells us anyone can now purchase a commemorative brick that will be used to construct a memorial garden in the playground, raising more money for the project.

So, how’s the fundraising been going?

“It’s been going really good,” Heward said. “We’ve gotten quite a few grants and we have raised, I believe, about $180,000 to date.”

In fact, the fundraising has gone so well that the goal for the playground has risen from $250,000 to $450,000 while new features are envisioned. Heward told us about them.

“We have a large Navy ship. We have a rock climbing wall, some swings. We have some benches. We have uniform panels where a child can stand and get their picture and it looks like they’re wearing a military uniform, honoring all six branches of the military. We’re going to have a large rocket ship and either a tank or a jeep. That’s what we’re waiting on our next set of drawings for.”

There are two types of bricks that can be purchased to support the playground.

“You can spend $250 for a 4 x 8 brick to either memorialize one of your family members or put your company logo on it to support our playground. We also have a 12 x 12 brick that sells for $500.”

You can learn more about the bricks here. Heward says they’re hoping to begin construction of the Salute the Troops Playground in the spring of 2027.