Crowdfunding campaign launched to create Ludington Splash Pad

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

LANSING, Mich. – Ludington will soon be home to a universally accessible water play area and splash pad through a new crowdfunding campaign, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the City of Ludington announced today. The campaign is being offered through Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $50,000 by April 27, 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/lsp.

“Ludington is one of several cities leading the way in showcasing the importance of accessibility for all in placemaking,” 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 campaign will allow the City of Ludington to implement a universally accessible splash pad at Copeyon Park. This will offer residents a convenient space to cool off in the summer when the beach is not safe for swimming due to high winds and rip tides. Not only will this provide a free, fun outdoor play area in an underutilized park, but it will also stimulate economic revitalization in the 4th Ward area.

Vortex Aquatic Structures International was the company chosen by the Splash Pad Committee to help create a project design appropriate for the City of Ludington. After several months of sharing concepts and crafting prototypes, the team chose a design that would resonate well with Ludington’s coastal community.

“We are having a community fundraiser, jumping into frigid Lake Michigan in April. This matching grant is so important to our event because, if we meet the goal, every pledge will be doubled. We are so close to building a Splash Pad for our community, and this grant is helping to make our kids dream a reality,” said Stephanie Reed, chairman of the Ludington Splash Pad Committee.

Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League and Patronicity in which residents can use crowdfunding to be involved in the development of strategic projects in their communities, backed with a matching grant from MEDC. Communities, nonprofits and other business entities can apply at https://patronicity.com/puremichigan.

“Creating accessible public spaces is key to great placemaking,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and executive director of the Michigan Municipal League. “Ludington’s water play area and splash pad will be an inviting amenity for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.”

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 Feb. 27, 2019, MEDC has provided $6,004,441 in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 195 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $7 million raised from 36,938 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.