Crowdfunding campaign launched for Kalamazoo Riverfront Garden & Launch

$95,000 goal to secure matching grant through MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative

Lansing, Mich. – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Arcadia Brewing Company today announced a new crowdfunding campaign in Kalamazoo through Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity. The campaign will support the construction of the Kalamazoo Riverfront Garden & Launch, a mixed-use community space along the Kalamazoo River.

If the Kalamazoo Riverfront Garden & Launch attains its crowdfunding goal of $95,000 by May 31, MEDC will provide a $95,000 matching grant. For project details and to donate, please visit: https://www.patronicity.com/project/kalamazoo_riverfront_garden__launch#/. 

“We are pleased to once again partner with Arcadia Ales on a project that will have a significant impact on the community,” said MEDC Community Development Director Katharine Czarnecki. “It is wonderful to see a local business extend its reach to make available this unique gathering space.” 

Building on the success of Arcadia’s current location, this project will transform a public space with great potential into a community place. The Kalamazoo Riverfront Garden & Launch will take advantage of the only fully accessible 400 feet of Kalamazoo Riverfront, right alongside Arcadia Brewing Company. Together the two gathering areas will provide residents and guests with a multi-use opportunity to interact and enjoy. 

“We recognized the potential neighborhood engagement with this, the only stretch of accessible riverfront in Kalamazoo when we selected this location, and feel privileged to facilitate the creation of a multi-use asset to our community,” said Arcadia Brewing Company Founder & President Timothy Suprise.

Since Arcadia Ales opened in May 2014, residents and guests have expressed their desire for the inclusive space that this project will create. Once complete, the Riverfront Garden & Launch will encompass a canoe and kayak launch, a covered stage for live music, landscaping consistent with Riverfront Ecosystem, outdoor fire pit, shuffleboard court, disc golf putting green, outdoor kitchen and more. 

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.