A new memorial garden and fountain are being proposed for South Haven City Hall, envisioned as a public-private partnership.

Speaking to the city council this week, SHOUT for South Haven’s Tom Renner said he and the group’s Bob Copping were looking at what SHOUT’s next big public project could be after completing the outdoor fireplace at Dyckman Park and settled on a fountain. After some brainstorming, they added a memorial space for veterans to the concept and decided the south lawn of city hall would be a good fit.

“We just wanted to make this very as public as we can,” Renner said. “We think there’ll be a great community support of it. We think our veterans and our first responders deserve it. We’d like to see a nice public place in front of city hall.”

SHOUT is proposing a relocation of some of the existing memorial monuments at the city hall property to create a space honoring police and veterans. However, the cost is a hurdle. Estimates run as high as around $900,000.

Mayor Annie Brown said the proposal is good as a concept.

“I love the drawings and the design plan, so I think it’s very attractive,” Brown said. “And it’s always great to partner with a Bob Copping project. You know, I’m interested in the costs.”

Council member Mary Hosley agreed the cost could be difficult to overcome. Brown suggested SHOUT continue talks with city staff about potential options.

SHOUT has pledged $50,000 to support the effort.