The newly revamped million-dollar McMorran Plaza — partially fenced off during construction for more than a year — may fill up quickly with activity by the end of the month.
And much of that activity, be it exercise classes or live entertainment, is free to the public.
Nancy Winzer, Port Huron parks and recreation director, said a formal opening of the plaza is slated for 1 p.m. May 26. That event, aimed to celebrate the effort with sponsors, will serve as a launching-off point for a busy summer, she said.
Several season-long fitness and wellness programs hosted through the YMCA of the Blue Water Area begin May 31 and run six days a week on the plaza’s McLaren Main Stage. Meanwhile, weekend concert series slated for both the main stage and a beer garden begin the first weekend in June.
“We’ve waited five years,” Winzer said, citing a lengthy fundraising process that preceded construction a year ago.
“I think it’s just really cool that we can be well as a community and do wellness programs together,” she said. “This is going to be the town’s square, so we want to try to promote as much as we can on the plaza.”
In between programming, the plaza also boasts a splash pad.
“It’s an open green space where people could just come have lunch, can bring their lunch. It’s a great open space, a great open recreation-leisure space.”
According to the city’s schedule, there will be a variety of classes from the Y, with the earliest boot camp and yoga sessions starting at 6 a.m. Monday through Friday.
Additionally, other fitness classes include cardio, pilates, dance, qi gong — a combination of movement, breathing, and meditation — and more.
The city is spending $130,375 in federal COVID stimulus to pay for three summers of wellness classes on the plaza, enabling city residents to register for free. The 14-week season goes through Labor Day.
Josh Chapman, president and CEO of the local YMCA, is excited to “create a culture of wellness” in Port Huron.
Those interested can register online or call (810) 987-6400.
“We will have staff onsite along with instructors to answer questions and register,” Chapman said via email Monday. “I say that in case folks are skittish to do a class for any reason, they can watch or just walk up day of, and we’ll get them in the class with a simple signature.”
Port Huron is working with Harris Restaurants, Inc., headed by Casey Harris of Casey’s Pizza and Subs, to manage food and beverage in McMorran Plaza’s beer garden.
In addition to live music in downtown’s pocket and Quay Street parks, McMorran Plaza will host live entertainment beginning Thursday, June 2, in an on-site beer garden. According to the schedule, Casey’s on the Plaza will first host acoustic pop musician Brandon Pavlov.
Big Pappa and the Machine will be on the McLaren Main Stage from 8 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 3, and Larry B and the Boomers will be on the main stage from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 4.
Those interested are encouraged to RSVP at mcmorran.com/shows to any of the opening weekend concerts. A lineup is included through August.
For more information on events surrounding McMorran Plaza, visit www.mcmorran.com/plaza.
Contact Jackie Smith at (810) 989-6270 or [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @Jackie20Smith.
