Jackson - Michigan - Culture

Jackson Michigan is in the heart of Michigan. Located 35 miles south of Lansing Michigan. Jackson is just a short drive from several major midwest cities.

More than any other structure in Jackson, the Cascades is the monument of beauty and distinction that has been a source of enjoyment and fond memories to the millions of people who have visited it for over half a century. The Cascades is the result of a man's dream to do something for the people of Jackson and to build an attraction that would provide visitors with a positive impression of the city. That man was William Sparks. William Sparks civic dedication was evident by the fact that he was elected to three terms as Jackson's mayor, served as president of the Chamber of Commerce, the Boy Scouts, and was actively involved in numerous civic/service groups. He also organized the Zouaves, a famous drill team known for their cadence (300 steps per minute) marching with regulation Enfield rifles. It was as commander of this group that he earned the nickname, "Captain." The Jackson Zouaves performed throughout the world, and it was during a visit to Barcelona, Spain, that he formed the idea for the Cascades from a fountain he saw there

The physical structure has been maintained and improved each year under the direction of the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Commission. Even so, it became apparent in 1980 that after a half century of dedicated service, the electrical/plumbing system of the falls needed replacement. With a mix of private and public contributions the entire core of the falls was updated. The old electromechanical control system was replaced with a computer system. With this new computer, sound response programs were developed so that the Cascades lights and fountains change patterns in direct response to pre-recorded or live music.

Jackson City Parks - More than any other structure in Jackson, the Cascades is the monument of beauty and distinction that has been a source of enjoyment and fond memories to the millions of people who have visited it for over half a century.

The Jackson Civil War Muster -MECHANICSVILLE and MALVERN HILL (The First and Last Battles of The Seven Days, Peninsular Campaign)

The Cascades course, located in the southern part of the City of Jackson, is a course that a golfer must play if he or she wants to play one of the best public courses in Michigan. The course was established in 1929 and is operated by the Jackson County Parks Department.

Cascades is challenging, long by most standards, and features water and beautiful scenery. The signature hole is # 17, a par four measuring 383 yards from the white tees. A creek runs across the fairway 240 yards out and the approach is played to a severely sloped green guarded by trees and bunkers.

The Cascades Manor House is located in the beautiful 465-acre Sparks Foundation Park in southwest Jackson. It was originally built as the clubhouse for the 18-hole championship Cascades Golf Course and named the Cascades Club House. The park was a gift to Jackson County from William and Matilda Sparks Foundation, Inc. Under their direction, the famous illuminated Cascade Water Falls, the Cascades Golf Course and the Cascades Club House were created.

The Cascades Club House was designed by Jackson architect Clair Allen and was built by the North-Moller Construction Company of Jackson. Construction of the original clubhouse project began in the fall of 1929, and the clubhouse opened to the public at noon on Tuesday, May 10, 1932. The intention was that the clubhouse become the "Community Gathering Place" where you could enjoy an excellent meal at reasonable prices.

In 1993 a major renovation of the clubhouse began under the direction of the Cascades Park Foundation with the intention that all proceeds from the facility be placed back into the parks system. During this time the dinning room was expanded, the kitchen replaced and major repairs were made. In January 1995 the clubhouse was reopened under the new name of Cascades Manor House and was once again available for public use.