Summit Township near Jackson in Jackson County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Cascades

Illuminated, man-made waterfall a worldwide attraction since 1932

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, June 4, 2024

1. The Cascades Marker

Inscription.

Six Fountains, Eleven Pools and Thousands of Lights Dazzle Fans for Generations
The Cascades, an illuminated man-made waterfall, was the dream of William "Cap" Sparks (right) and has thrilled generations of visitors from all over the world since it first opened in May 1932. The landmark extends 500 feet long, rises 64 feet above the ground, and is 90 feet wide. It is framed by 126 steps which take visitors to the top, where 2,000 gallons per minute of filtered, chlorinated water is pumped over 16 waterfalls, 11 of which are illuminated by thousands of colored lights. Sparks' dream was inspired by an illuminated fountain he saw while in Barcelona, Spain. He brought the idea home, launching the development of the Sparks Foundation County Park, which today is managed by the Jackson County Parks Department. The park's focal point—The Cascades—has undergone many renovations over the years and remains a favorite spot for recreationists and for events throughout the summer, from live music to fireworks displays.

William "Cap" Sparks (1873-1943) founded The Cascades. He also co-founded Sparks-Withington Co., and

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the Jackson Zouaves, an internationally-famous drill team. He is shown above in his Zouave uniform. It was his association with this group that earned his nickname, "Cap."

Erected 2024 by Jackson County Michigan Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1932.

Location. 42° 13.802′ N, 84° 25.986′ W. Marker is near Jackson, Michigan, in Jackson County. It is in Summit Township. It can be reached from South Brown Street 0.1 miles Randolph Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is near the ticket booth/museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1401 South Brown Street, Jackson MI 49203, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Mid-Michigan.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, June 4, 2024

2. The Cascades Marker

least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Jackson Illuminated Cascades (within shouting distance of this marker); USS Arizona Battleship BB-39 (approx. 0.4 miles away); Remember Pearl Harbor (approx. 0.4 miles away); 9-11 Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Ella W. Sharp Park (approx. 1.2 miles away); “Under the Oaks” Memorial (approx. 1.3 miles away); Under The Oaks (approx. 1.3 miles away); Under the Oaks (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jackson.

Also see . . .
1. Cascade Falls. Excerpt:

The falls have six fountains, three reflecting pools, each 30 feet (9.1 m) by 90 feet (27 m) and 16 falls, 11 of which are illuminated. In the spring of 2013, the 1,230 incandescent bulbs in the falls were replaced with 90 LED rope lights. These lights are accompanied by a variety of music. It is 500 feet (150 m) long, 64 feet (20 m) wide and 60 feet (18 m) deep. There are 126 steps along each side of the falls allowing visitors access to the top. This walkway passes the three reflecting pools. The falls are operated through the use of a 2,000 US gallons (7.6
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, June 4, 2024

3. The Cascades
This is the view from the bottom of the cascading falls.
m3) per minute water pump that filters, chlorinates, and recycles the water.

(Submitted on June 4, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)

2. YouTube video of falls and lights. Longish video with actual falls display commencing at 2:43 mark. (Submitted on June 4, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)

3. YouTube video of the Jackson Zoaves drill team on the Ed Sullivan Show 1/18/1953. As mentioned on the marker, William "Cap" Sparks was a member of the famed drill team. (Submitted on June 4, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)

The Cascades image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, November 15, 2022

4. The Cascades

This is the view from the top of the cascading falls.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 9, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 374 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 4, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.