Whirlpool's Day of Impact: Revitalizing Union Park and June Woods Park
Whirlpool Corporation marked its third annual “Day of Impact” by organizing a volunteer effort involving over 100 employees and local officials to enhance Charles Yarbrough Park in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Located along the St. Joseph River and within walking distance of Benton Harbor High School, the park was selected for improvement in partnership with the City of Benton Harbor and other local organizations due to its historical significance.
Marc Bitzer, Chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corporation, stated, “Benton Harbor has been our home for more than a century, and our employees have strong ties to this community. Partnering with the City of Benton Harbor to improve a cherished place like Charles Yarbrough Park demonstrates our dedication to a community we deeply care about.”
Named after Charles Yarbrough, who served as Benton Harbor’s mayor from 1997 to 2003, the park is a vital space for local families. This initiative is the third local park to receive revitalization through Whirlpool Foundation funding and the collective efforts of Whirlpool employees, city officials, and other community volunteers.
Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad remarked, “Charles Yarbrough was a guiding force in our community, and the upgrades to the park in his honor will help perpetuate his legacy. Each year, we eagerly anticipate working together to revitalize important community spaces like this, which are essential to our shared life in Benton Harbor.”
Planned enhancements at Yarbrough Park include:
Marc Bitzer, Chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corporation, stated, “Benton Harbor has been our home for more than a century, and our employees have strong ties to this community. Partnering with the City of Benton Harbor to improve a cherished place like Charles Yarbrough Park demonstrates our dedication to a community we deeply care about.”
Named after Charles Yarbrough, who served as Benton Harbor’s mayor from 1997 to 2003, the park is a vital space for local families. This initiative is the third local park to receive revitalization through Whirlpool Foundation funding and the collective efforts of Whirlpool employees, city officials, and other community volunteers.
Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad remarked, “Charles Yarbrough was a guiding force in our community, and the upgrades to the park in his honor will help perpetuate his legacy. Each year, we eagerly anticipate working together to revitalize important community spaces like this, which are essential to our shared life in Benton Harbor.”
Planned enhancements at Yarbrough Park include:
- Resurfacing the park’s riverside deck and adding a new sidewalk
- Constructing a new bathroom plaza
- Updating the playground area
- Designing and installing a monument dedicated to Charles Yarbrough
- Creating a community serenity garden and expanding the park’s landscaping
"The revitalization work at Charles Yarbrough Park is a continued desire and dream that this beautiful park will continue to be cared for by my family,” said Mamie Yarbrough, Berrien County commissioner and widow of Charles Yarbrough. “This transformation will bring more families together and invite even more to visit our lovely community.”
Launched in 2021 to honor Juneteenth, Whirlpool Corporation's “Day of Impact” initiative completed the revitalization of Union Park in 2022 and June Woods Park in 2023.
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