Crowdfunding campaign launched for new Charlotte Community Tennis Courts

$35,000 goal to secure matching grant through MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative

Lansing, Mich. – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, city of Charlotte and Charlotte Recreation Cooperative today announced a new crowdfunding campaign through Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity. The campaign will support new tennis courts adjacent to Bennett Park.

If the community hits its crowdfunding goal of $35,000 by August 21, MEDC will provide a $35,000 matching grant with funds made possible by the Public Spaces Community Places program. For project details and to donate, please visit: www.Patronicity.com/CharlotteTennisCourts.

The existing Tennis Courts, built in 1940, have fallen into serious disrepair and need to be restored. There are cracks and broken pieces in several places covering all four courts, and they are virtually unplayable.

“Public Spaces Community Places is a great tool to help raise funding for community projects,” said MEDC Community Development Director Katharine Czarnecki. “We are pleased to be able to direct resources and partner in efforts like this to increase recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.”

Money raised through the crowdfunding campaign will go toward removing and replacing the existing court surface as well as windscreen and fencing repair and maintenance. The new courts will be available for individual use, tennis clinics and lessons, and high school tennis programs.

“Restoring our community tennis courts back to their original glory will be a tremendous asset to Charlotte,” said Charlotte City Council Member Yvonne Ridge. “Through a unique collaborative effort between the community, city of Charlotte, the Charlotte Area Recreation Cooperative, Patronicity, and Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the tennis courts can once again become a satisfying source of activity in our community.”

The Charlotte City Council approved to spend up to $75,000 on the project, if the community works together to raise $35,000.

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.