Crowdfunding campaign launched for the “GL Splashpad” project

$33,333 goal to win a 2:1 matching grant through MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative in partnership with mPark Foundation

LANSING, Mich. – The city of Grand Ledge’s Jaycee Park will soon have a universally accessible Splashpad for all to enjoy with the help of a new crowdfunding campaign, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Michigan Recreation and Park Association Foundation (mParks Foundation), and the city of Grand Ledge announced today. The campaign is being offered through Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity. 

If the campaign reaches its goal of $33,333 by September 4, the mParks Foundation has agreed to match the MEDC grant with an additional $33,333, bringing the total raised to $100,000. For project details and to donate, please visit: www.Patronicity.com/GLSplashpad.

“Public Spaces Community Places is a great resource for communities to transform and activate public spaces,” said MEDC Vice President of Community Development Katharine Czarnecki. “We are pleased to be able to partner in this effort along with the mParks Foundation to provide a two-to-one match to complete the development of the GL Splashpad, which will provide universal accessibility for all.”

“Everyone should be able to enjoy public recreation no matter their ability,” said Ron Davis, mParks Foundation president. “The mParks Foundation is excited to be a part of this partnership that will help us further our mission by making our dollars go further. I can’t wait to witness the success of this campaign and the impact the Splashpad will have in Grand Ledge.”

The funding raised in this campaign will create a place in Grand Ledge for residents and visitors alike to come together and cool off. The beautiful surroundings of Jaycee Park will have improved accessibility and connectivity to the project and will include features for all stages of life. The demand for this space was made clear in community engagement sessions for the Jaycee Park Master Plan. The result is a multigenerational and universally accessible amenity for all to enjoy.

“The community initiative to bring a splashpad to Jaycee Park has been tremendous. The city of Grand Ledge looks forward to officially kicking off this project on July 6 in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and mParks,” said Grand Ledge City Administrator Adam Smith. “The City Council’s commitment to placemaking and efforts to build a better community are to be commended.” 

“A splashpad placed at Jaycee Park is consistent with that park's master plan developed in 2013 and represents the next step in the park's development,” said Chair of the Grand Ledge Parks and Rec Commission Rachel Kuntzsch. “A recent community survey completed as part of the city's five-year parks and recreation master plan confirmed continued strong interest for a splashpad in Grand Ledge.”

Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity in which 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, nonprofits and other business entities can apply at https://patronicity.com/puremichigan.

“Creating spaces that are welcoming to people of all ages and abilities is especially important to placemaking,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and executive director of the Michigan Municipal League. “Grand Ledge’s splashpad certainly sends the message that they value the recreational needs of all their residents.”

The Public Spaces Community Places initiative started in 2014 with MEDC providing matched funding of up to $50,000 for community improvement projects throughout Michigan. As of July 14, 2017, MEDC has provided $3,835,500 in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 131 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with $4.6 million raised from 22,023 individual donors.

The mParks Foundation is committed to enhancing quality of experiences for everyone through the support of community enrichment, research, advocacy, natural resources, and professional development of park and recreation professionals, students, and citizen advocates. More information on mParks Foundation can be found at www.mparksfoundation.org. With their partnership in the MEDC’s Public Spaces, Community Places grant program, they are helping to create a unique 2:1 matching grant opportunity for communities that provide universally accessible recreation. 

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.