The newly renovated $1 million McMorran Plaza — which has been partially closed during construction for more than a year — may quickly fill with activity by the end of the month.
And much of that activity, whether it’s sports lessons or live entertainment, is free to the public.
The official opening of the plaza was scheduled for 1 p.m. on May 26, Port Huron Parks and Recreation Director Nancy Winzer said. This event, which is meant to celebrate the effort with sponsors, will serve as a springboard to a busy summer. She said.
The many all-season fitness and wellness programs hosted by the YMCA in the Blue Water District begin May 31 and run six days a week at the plaza’s main McLaren Theater. Meanwhile, the weekend concert series scheduled for both the main stage and beer garden kicks off the first weekend in June.
“We’ve waited five years,” Winzer said, citing the lengthy fundraising process that preceded construction a year ago.
“I think it’s really great that we can be a good community and do wellness programs together,” she said. “This is going to be the town square, so we want to try to promote as much as possible in the square.”
In between programming, Arena also boasts a splash pad.
“It is a green open space where people can come to have lunch and bring their lunch. It is a great open space, a great open entertainment and leisure space.”
Free lessons start during Y after Memorial Day
Depending on the city’s schedule, there will be a variety of classes from Y, with early boot camp and yoga sessions starting at 6 a.m. Monday through Friday.
Plus, other fitness classes include cardio, pilates, dance, qi gong – a combination of movement, breathing, meditation – and more.
The city is spending $130,375 in federal COVID stimulus to pay for three summers of wellness classes at the plaza, letting city residents sign up for free. The season runs 14 weeks until Labor Day.
Josh Chapman, president and CEO of the local YMCA, is excited about “creating a culture of wellness” in Port Huron.
Those interested can register online or call (810) 987-6400.
“We will have staff on site along with coaches to answer questions and register,” Chapman said by email on Monday. “I’d say if people are skittish to do a class for whatever reason, they can watch or go up the same day, and we’ll put them in class with a simple signature.”
Free entertainment starts the first weekend in June
Port Huron works with Harris Restaurants, Inc. , headed by Casey Harris of Casey’s Pizza and Subs, to manage the food and beverage of the beer garden at McMorran Plaza.
In addition to live music in the downtown enclave and Quay Street parks, McMorran Plaza will host live entertainment starting Thursday, June 2 at the on-site beer garden. According to schedule, Casey’s on the Plaza will first host acoustic pop musician Brandon Pavlov.
Big Pappa and the Machine will be on McLaren’s main stage from 8-10 p.m. Friday, June 3, and Larry B and the Boomers will be on the main stage from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, June 4.
Those interested are encouraged to RSVP at mcmorran.com/shows at any of the opening weekend parties. Assortment 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.
