A LEGACY in Jackson

Since 1932, The Cascades has captivated locals and visitors from around the world. Jackson's most famous landmark resides within the 465-acre Sparks Foundation County Park and is under the management of the Jackson County Parks Department.

This magnificent engineering feat was the dream of Jackson resident William Sparks. A serial entrepreneur and philanthropist, Sparks was inspired to build the 500-foot-long, man-made illuminated waterfall after a trip to Barcelona. Larger than life, The Cascades includes six fountains, 16 falls, thousands of LED lights, and projects 2,000 gallons per minute to create the unmistakable water shows.

A Community Gathering Place

Not only is the Cascades a monument marking the strong history of the great city, it serves as a community gathering place where wholesome fun can take place. Sparks Foundation County Parks is and integral asset to our community. The expansive park hosts bands, family fun nights with popular characters, field trips, birthday parties, and so much more.

Since 1947, the Jackson Community Foundation has been working hard to make Jackson an even better place to live and work. We are proud to partner with the Jackson Community Foundation to accept and administer funds for this project. Online donations can be made by clicking the button below, or by going to JacksonCF.org and selecting “Cascades Non-Endowed Special Project Fund” from the fund catalog.  

                DONATE NOW                           TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR

Where Your Funds Will be Invested

Since 1970, the Jackson County Parks Department has been providing maintenance and updating Cascade Falls, a staple landmark in Jackson County, to ensure its continual operation. Built in the 1930s, Cascade Falls is a monument of beauty and distinction that has provided enjoyment and fond memories to millions for over 95 years. However, we now face maintenance issues that require $3.5 million to preserve its legacy for another 100 years. $1.9 million has been committed from local champions to help restore the concrete and pump room. We need your help to preserve this cherished legacy for future generations. 

Click here for a closer look at our upcoming improvements

Recent Improvements

Be Part of the Change - Pick Your Role

 DONATE NOW

Check donations can be made payable to Jackson County Parks (mail to 128 W. Ganson St., Jackson, MI 49201) or to Jackson Community Foundation (mail to 100 S. Jackson St., Suite 200, Jackson, MI 49201). Please include “Cascades Non-Endowed Special Project Fund” in the memo line

Thank You to our Donors!

                       Fountain                                                           Falls

                          Alvin L Glick Foundation                                                               Lavery Foundation
                          Anonymous
                          Cascades Park Foundation

                       Legacy                                                               Community

                          American 1 Credit Union 

                          Anonymous                                                                                    Rebecca and Brian Armstrong
                          Anonymous                                                                                    John Conrad
                          Hurst Foundation                                                                          Charlotte J Rickman
                         Southern Michigan Bank and Trust                                            Michele Sears
                         TRUE Community Credit Union                                                  Carl Spaeth
                                                                                                                                    T. Mark Schopmeyer
                                                                                                                  The John Taylor Family (in lieu of Bill and Sandy Nichols 80th Birthday)