Crowdfunding campaign launched for “Paddlers’ Landing at Mott Park” project in Flint

$50,000 goal to win matching grant through MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative

LANSING, Mich. – Mott Park in Flint will soon gain a safe access point to the Flint River for recreational use through a new crowdfunding campaign, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Flint River Watershed Coalition and Mott park Recreation Association announced today. The campaign is being offered through Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $50,000 by March 21, the project will win a matching grant with funds made possible by MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places program. For project details and to donate, please visit: patronicity.com/paddlerslanding.

“This project is creating new opportunities for the Flint community to reclaim the river as their own and discover new ways to use the waterway for recreation,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Community Development Katharine Czarnecki. “We are pleased to provide resources for this effort through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”

The Corridor Alliance Chapter of the Flint River Watershed Coalition is working with the Mott Park Recreation Association (MPRA) and the city of Flint to help increase access for all. In response to community and resident input gathered by the MPRA in 2015, the partners will build a safe access point at the Mott Park Recreation Area off Sunset Drive near Ballenger Highway. This landing will provide an opportunity for all Flint residents to safely access the river for paddling, rafting, fishing, and more.

“It is exciting to be a part of this community-led partnership contributing to the ongoing improvements that are reconnecting Flint to its river,” said Tom Saxton, president of the Mott Park Recreation Association. “The Paddlers’ Landing will provide needed access for residents and visitors to kayak, canoe, fish, and enjoy the Flint River at Mott Park Recreation Area. We’re thankful that the MEDC is investing in the Flint community. Their support is essential in making this project a success.”

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.

“Waterways are very desirable placemaking assets in a community,” said Dan Gilmartin CEO and executive director of the Michigan Municipal League. “Creating Paddlers’ Landing will enable residents and visitors alike to enjoy all the recreational opportunities the Flint River offers.”

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 January 31, 2019, MEDC has provided $5,924,441 in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 193 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with nearly $7 million raised from 36,543 individual donors.

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.