City of Hamtramck launches crowdfunding campaign to support Pope Park Renovation

$25,000 goal to secure matching grant through MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative

Lansing, Mich. – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the City of Hamtramck today announced a new crowdfunding campaign through Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity. The campaign will support the revitalization of Karol Wojtyla Pope Park.

If the Pope Park project attains its crowdfunding goal of $25,000 by June 1, MEDC will provide a $25,000 matching grant. For project details and to donate, please visit: https://www.patronicity.com/project/pope_park_renovation__hamtramck#/. 

“A vibrant Pope Park would help strengthen Hamtramck’s downtown business district and bring the community together,” said MEDC Community Development Director Katharine Czarnecki.

Karol Wojtyla Pope Park is located in the heart of Hamtramck’s primary business district. Pope Park is currently under-utilized and discourages the interaction of residents and visitors. With more than $100,000 in improvements, Pope Park will be restored and serve as a gathering space for the downtown community.

“Pope Park is a destination for people not only in the region, but from all over the world and is of historical importance to Hamtramck. The whole city is excited about the project to restore, enhance, maintain and beautify Pope Park,” said Kathy Angerer, the Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Hamtramck.

Renovations planned for Pope Park include the restoration of existing facilities, enhancing the lighting and ground to improve safety, addition of planters and seating, and repair of the mural. Despite the many changes, Pope Park will still remain a place of honor and devotion, with the statue of Karol Wojtyla looming above. After completion of the project, the area will entice visitors to gather and be available for formal activities such as Polish Mass and adorations.

“One of the great things about these crowdfunding projects is that they can help build on a community’s existing assets,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and executive director of the Michigan Municipal League. “There are already many things to love about the City of Hamtramck and getting residents and supporters of this great community to help improve this park will further enhance that connection and sense of pride.”

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.