Leadership Bay County Class of 2026 to Celebrate Groundbreaking for Wenonah Park Playground

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Annabelle Schweiger, Marketing and Communications Manager

Annabelle@baycityarea.com

989.893.4567

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 9, 2026

Leadership Bay County Class of 2026 to Celebrate Groundbreaking for Wenonah Park Playground Expansion

BAY CITY, MI – The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Leadership Bay County Class of 2026, in partnership with United Way of Bay County, will celebrate the groundbreaking of its class project, the Wenonah Park Playground Expansion, on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. at Wenonah Park, 111 Center Ave., Bay City, MI 48708.

The project will expand the existing playground at Wenonah Park to better serve infants and toddlers ages 0–3, with new age-appropriate play equipment designed to create a more inclusive and developmentally appropriate outdoor space for young children.

The Leadership Bay County Class of 2026 selected this project because of its potential to make a lasting impact on Bay County families and the broader community. According to project planning materials, the need for safe, accessible outdoor spaces for infants and toddlers remains an important part of supporting early childhood development and childcare access throughout the region.

Once complete, the expanded playground will provide greater access to age-appropriate play opportunities while also supporting broader community efforts tied to childcare, family resources, and quality of life. The project is expected to benefit children and families while also helping address a critical community need that impacts workforce participation.

“This project reflects exactly what Leadership Bay County is all about—bringing people together to create meaningful, lasting impact in our community,” said Magen Samyn, President & CEO of the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. “The Wenonah Park Playground Expansion will serve Bay County families in an important way, while also supporting broader efforts tied to childcare access, workforce development, and quality of life.”

Catherine Macomber, Leadership Bay County Class of 2026 Project Manager, said, “LBC 2026 is so excited to be a part of this community playground. We have worked hard, and will put in the labor this summer to make this dream a reality for the Bay City Community. We are grateful to all of our partners and donors for their contributions of time, talent, and treasure!”

Nicole Luczak, President & CEO of the United Way of Bay County, said, “The expansion of the playground in Wenonah Park will not only be critical for the potential downtown childcare development, but also for the entire community. Families of any makeup will be able to enjoy the space now with new equipment for all ages and added safety and accessibility features. We are so incredibly grateful for the amazing and dedicated group of leaders in the 2026 Class for choosing this project.”

Community members, partners, and supporters are invited to attend the groundbreaking and help celebrate this important milestone.

About The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce

Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1882, is a private, non-profit business organization with nearly 800 members that provides programs to assist local businesses grow and prosper. The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce joins area businesses and the community for the economic growth and well-being of the entire Bay Area.