Crowdfunding campaign launched for Milford Dog Park

$20,000 goal to win matching grant through MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative

LANSING, Mich. – Milford will soon embrace a long-awaited dog park near the Milford Trail through a new crowdfunding campaign, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and L3C Agricole announced today. The campaign is being offered through Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $20,000 by May 31, 2019, 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/milforddogpark.

“The Milford Dog Park is a collaborative effort between the village, the township and its residents,” 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.”

This campaign will create a space for residents and their canine partners to enjoy. The location was chosen because of its proximity to the Milford Trail, a popular destination for local dogs and their owners. The park will include a designated space for large dogs, small dogs and will be surrounded by benches and picnic tables for comfortable seating.

“This project has been a few years in the making — starting with an idea proposed by one of our local residents,” said Christian Wuerth, village manager of Milford. “The opportunity to participate in the MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places Program is a huge boost to the project and will help turn this idea into a reality. We are grateful for the support of the MEDC."

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 an engaging public amenity that brings the community together is key to great placemaking,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and executive director of the Michigan Municipal League. “This dog park will enhance the appeal of the Milford area for years to come.”

The Public Spaces Community Places initiative started in 2014 with the MEDC providing matched funding of up to $50,000 for community improvement projects throughout Michigan. As of April 1, 2019, MEDC has provided $6,169,441 in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 200 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $7 million raised from 38,535 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.