(Michigan City, IN) - Plans for a destination playground at Michigan City’s lakefront will become reality.

All of the money is now in place for construction thanks to a $400,000 donation from Google, which will operate a data center currently under construction in the city in the 400 block of Royal Road.  Broderick Green, Public Affairs Manager for Google, revealed the monetary gift during this week’s city council meeting.

“We take our community involvement very seriously.  So, this is the initial outreach we’re going to have here,” he said.

The projected $5 million outdoor playground and fitness center at Washington Park will be handicapped accessible for everyone to use, no matter what their abilities. Construction is expected to begin in the fall.  Much of the money to build it came from state, federal and private sources.

People from all over the region are expected to travel to the playground since it will be the first of its kind in Northwest Indiana.  The park will also feature fitness stations, a paved walking trail and gathering places.