City of Milan launches crowdfunding campaign to support Wilson Park Upgrades

$10,000 goal to secure matching grant through MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative

Lansing, Mich. – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the City of Milan today announced a new crowdfunding campaign through Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity. The campaign will support a new pavilion for Wilson Park.

“We are excited to partner with the city of Milan to expand recreational opportunities at Wilson Park,” said MEDC Community Assistance Team Specialist Nate Scramlin. “The park is a community asset and the Public Spaces Community Places initiative is a great way for residents, businesses, and others to help make it better.” 

If the Wilson Park Improvement attains its crowdfunding goal of $10,000 by April 21, MEDC will provide a $10,000 matching grant. For project details and to donate, please visit: https://patronicity.com/project/wilson_park_pavilion#/.

“This is really exciting for our community parks,” said City Administrator Jade Smith. “As we continue to revitalize and redevelop our Downtown the pavilion will be an integral component for events and community pride as we welcome visitors and residents alike.”

Wilson Park is a historical park central to the City of Milan and surrounding areas. The Wilson Park Improvement will replace a small, deteriorating pavilion with a larger, advanced one. The new pavilion will possess many features that will make it the perfect spot for community activities.

The Wilson Park project will heavily impact the City of Milan. Wilson Park attracts visitors all year round, amounting to over 14,000 during some major annual events. The additional pavilion at Wilson Park would allow for a more efficient use of the park’s space, including bathrooms, full electrical hook-ups, stationary grills, benches, and picnic tables.

“Michigan’s cities are constantly thinking of ways to improve their communities,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League. “These ideas don’t have to be large-scale, all-encompassing to make a difference. Sometimes, as is the case in Milan, modest improvements to an important park can make a dramatic impact. People who contribute to this effort should have a great sense of community pride once this vision becomes reality.”

Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity where local residents can use crowdfunding to be part of the development of strategic projects in their communities and be backed with a matching grant from MEDC. Communities, non-profits and other business entities can apply at https://patronicity.com/puremichigan. 

Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.