$1.5M sought for Cascade Falls restoration project in Jackson

JACKSON COUNTY, MI — State and local government officials are asking for the state’s assistance in keeping an iconic Jackson landmark in top shape for future generations.

State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz, R-Jackson, and Jackson County Parks Director Kyle Lewis testified before a legislative committee Wednesday, July 23, advocating on behalf of a proposed $1.5 million grant from the state to help restore Cascade Falls in Jackson.

If awarded, the funding would allow the community to move forward with a $3.5 million project that fully restores the concrete and moves the pumps, currently underground, into an above ground pump house.

Already, $1.9 million has been raised for the project with $1 million donated by the Alvin Glick Foundation, $500,000 coming from the County Parks Millage and the remainder donated by local Jackson businesses, Lewis said.

Schmaltz requested the grant as part of the state budget process, which is ongoing in the legislature.

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor and Economic Opportunity will make determinations about which grant projects are funded as the state budget process progresses.

“Local families, businesses and donors have stepped up to support its restoration, and now we’re asking the state to invest $1.5 million to help us move the project forward,” Schmaltz said. “Every visitor who comes to see the Falls also supports our local restaurants, hotels and small businesses. This is an investment that will pay off for generations to come.”

Built in 1932, the man-made waterfall has been a major attraction for Jackson County with light and fireworks shows throughout the year.

Though maintenance has been done on the falls over the years, Lewis says major work needs to be done as the time has come where small repairs are no longer viable.

“The falls have been around since 1932, so 92 Michigan winters have taken a toll on the concrete,” Lewis said. “We’ve had patchwork repairs over the years, but we’re kind of beyond the patchwork phase now. Water is leaking for the first time. We have crumbling stairs, railings and pool floors.”

In 2012, the Spicer Group development firm performed an initial inspection on the Cascades and developed a capital improvement plan that has since led to several significant upgrades. A “Champions Team” committee formed at the time to raise funds.

Renovations at the falls that followed the Spicer Group’s inspection have included tearing down the wall around them in 2014, the addition of the Splash Pad in 2017, replacement of the primary electrical system in 2020 and upgrading secondary electrical panels in 2023.

“We’re approaching 100 years. We want to make sure it’s around for another 100 years,” Lewis said.

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