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    Jean Klock Park is one of the oldest parks in the state of Michigan
    and  predates Michigan's state parks. Its boundaries host a half mile of
    Lake Michigan shoreline and include, what are considered by the
    experts to be, the occurrence of three globally threatened natural
    communities consisting of: Great Lakes Open Dunes, a Great Lakes
    Marsh, and Interdunal Wetlands.

    Through the years unsuccessful attempts by developers were made to
    "grab" the land of this deed protected park. Unfortunately, in 2003
    Jean Klock Park was threatened again. At that time the citizen group
    Friends of Jean Klock Park formed to prevent the sale of the park’s
    property for a housing development. Their efforts resulted in a lawsuit,
    Settlement Agreement and Consent Judgement that allowed a small
    portion of property to be developed in exchange for preserving the
    remaining park property forever.  

    The portion of the park that was to be preserved under the Settlement  
    Agreement is once again being threatened by the city of Benton
    Harbor's interest in a development proposal by Harbor Shores
    Community Redevelopment, Inc. that includes a Jack Nicklaus
    Signature golf course. The proposal would impact the park’s low lying
    marsh, coastal wetland areas and would travel behind and along the
    ridge of the park's unique and fragile dune structure. The cost of a
    round of golf could be as high as $200. The Friends of Jean Klock
    Park do not believe that the proposed golf course is consistent with
    John Klock’s intent for the park land.

    In addition to the park area, over 100 acres of neighboring wetlands
    along the Paw Paw River are slated as part of the development
    proposal. Due to the enormous value of our wetlands and the
    increasing awareness and concerns about them and the degradation
    and loss of plant, fish and wildlife habitat, Friends of Jean Klock Park
    question the wisdom of placing this delicate ecosystem at risk.

    Friends of Jean Klock Park would like to see the entire park preserved
    and used as an outdoor classroom for area school children and the
    community. Such a use would draw tourists to a growing list of eco-
    tourism locations throughout the state.

    Friends of Jean Klock Park are joined by the Alliance for the Great
    Lakes and local citizens and organizations in their effort to preserve
    the natural heritage of the park.     
Save Jean Klock Park














John Klock's
Autobiography

Klock Deed  

1917 City Council's
Acceptance of Gift
The Friends of Jean Klock Park would like to
thank you for taking the time to visit our website.
It is our hope that after viewing the content of this
site that  you will assist us in our efforts to protect
and preserve what remains of Jean Klock Park.
Save Jean Klock Park
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