The Jefferson Project, a placemaking non-profit, is bringing an art-focused, community gathering space to downtown Bay City, MI, as envisioned by Avram Golden, Executive Director. The Sculpture Park and Garden on the City’s north side is part of a larger effort to transform empty lots and blank walls in a dormant area of the City spanning N. Madison and Woodside Avenues to N. Jefferson Street. The effort received a $687,358 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Revitalization and Placemaking Program. Wade Trim provided surveying and landscape architecture services for the project.

The Sculpture Park and Garden were designed as an intimate and inviting space within a 1-acre site. A vibrant array of permanent and temporary exhibitions is planned to showcase local, regional, and national artists. Winding gravel walkways that connect to the main pathway will provide visitors easy access to intimately observe each sculpture. Additional features include an amphitheater, market area, vine-covered trellis tunnels, a concrete paver labyrinth, ambient lighting, artisan fencing, open lawn areas, and comfortable seating throughout. The garden will feature native plants in ornamental planting areas, mulch beds, and raised planters that add to the dynamic elevations.

A phased approach to construction will allow critical components to be built to grow the Sculpture Park and Garden as funding permits. The project is scheduled to be complete by the end of this year. The Jefferson Project is welcoming donations to continue shaping the park as an artistic destination.

Members of the community celebrated the groundbreaking for the Sculpture Park and Garden on May 15, 2026.