Crowdfunding campaign launched to illuminate Henne Field in Saline

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

Lansing, Mich. – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation and The Friends of Henne Field today announced a new crowdfunding campaign through Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity. The campaign will support the installation of lights and electrical outlets along the paved path around the perimeter of Henne Field in Saline so the park can be used for evening and night time activities.

If the community hits its crowdfunding goal of $35,000 by Oct. 9, the project will win a $35,000 matching grant with funds made possible by MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places program. For project details and to donate, please visit: www.patronicity.com/HenneField 

“Public Spaces Community Places is an innovative way for businesses, organizations, residents and other stakeholders to pool resources and create the kind of public spaces they want to see in their communities and be backed by a matching grant from the MEDC,” said MEDC Community Development Director Katharine Czarnecki. “We’re excited to partner with The Friends of Henne Field and the entire community to help Henne Field continue to grow into the kind of space that brings lasting benefits to Saline residents and visitors.”

The vision for Henne Field, donated to the Saline Area Schools in 1947 for educational/recreational purposes, is to continue to grow as a safe and central gathering place for the community and for events like the Summer Music Series, car and craft shows, Yoga in the Park, Art in the Park, Relay for Life, and other activities. It would also provide a new home for the community’s farmers market.

Money raised through the crowdfunding campaign would go towards electrical work and installing environment-and-neighbor-friendly lights. The Friends of Henne Field currently has raised $25,852 toward the $95,000 project.

“I have no doubt but that the residents, businesses and organizations within the Saline School District will see the value of this improvement to Henne Field and will readily contribute to the $35,000 needed to obtain this matching grant,” said Friends of Henne Field Founder David Rhoads.

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.