MEDC, Union City announce crowdfunding campaign for new park pavilion, community space

$45,000 goal to secure matching grant through MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative

Lansing, Mich. – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Village of Union City today announced a new crowdfunding campaign through Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity. The campaign will support the construction of a new pavilion/amphitheater and community space behind the community library and across the river from Riverview Park.

If the community hits its crowdfunding goal of $45,000 by October 1, MEDC will provide a $45,000 matching grant with funds made possible by the Public Spaces Community Places program. For project details and to donate, please visit: https://www.patronicity.com/project/union_city_park_pavilion#/.

The site has served as an informal community gathering place – making it an ideal location for the new park pavilion. The launch of this project will formalize its use for events such as concerts in the park, festivals, races and runs, youth recreation and more.

“Public Spaces Community Places is a great resource for communities to create and activate vibrant public places,” said MEDC Community Development Director Katharine Czarnecki. “We are pleased to partner with Union City and all of the organizations and volunteers who are working to turn this vision into reality."

The park pavilion will have unique features, including improved storm water management, use of recycled materials in pavilion construction, evening lighting, surveillance and LED lighting, handicap accessible river access, and plug and play sound system with weatherproof speakers.

“This project has been a vision for many years, so it is very exciting that the fund raising is under way,” Union City Village Manager James Campfield said. “With the support of the community, Branch County Community Foundation and our newest partner, the MEDC, we are looking forward to the start of construction soon. The Pavilion and the amphitheater will be a spot where people from miles around will be able to come and enjoy many cultural events and activities.”

Money raised through the crowdfunding campaign will go toward the initial phase one of the project. This includes completion of the site access, graded seating, construction of the shelter pavilion and power for the pavilion lighting and sound equipment.

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.