Crowdfunding campaign launched for Salam Peace Park in Hamtramck

$22,000 goal to win matching grant through MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative

LANSING, Mich. – Hamtramck will gain a new greenspace and playspace through a crowdfunding campaign, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, city of Hamtramck, and Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency announced today. The campaign is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $22,000 by September 26, 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/spp.

“This park will transform a vacant lot into an engaging and inclusive space for all to enjoy. This is a wonderful example of meaningful placemaking,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Community Development Michele Wildman. “We are pleased to bring this space to life and provide resources for this effort through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”

This campaign will complete a collaborative effort to create a community space in a Hamtramck neighborhood. A civic well-wisher donated 2134 Trowbridge to the city of Hamtramck to use as a park, and Wayne Metro is now working with local volunteers and supporters to transform a vacant lot into an attractive park in a central neighborhood. Wayne State urban planning student volunteers designed a concept for the project and a local landscaping company confirmed the budget.

The design concept for the park includes an open greenspace, a commercial-grade play structure, a bike rack, park benches, an attractive privacy fence, a walkway to the alley, several trees and other landscaping components. With so many young children in the neighborhood, this space is filling a great need for a nearby space to play.

“The City of Hamtramck is very excited to partner with Wayne Metro on the development of Salam Peace Park. This park will not only provide Hamtramck residents with a natural space for rest and recreation, it is also a testament to this community’s commitment to embracing diversity and international harmony,” said Hamtramck City Mayor Karen Majewski. “We also appreciate the support of Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Patronicity, who provide us with a platform that allows individuals from around the world to support this project, and the ideals it represents, with their donations.”

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 pocket parks and other inviting public spaces is key to great placemaking,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and executive director of Michigan Municipal League. “Salam Peace Park will add to the vitality and attractiveness of this Hamtramck neighborhood.”

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 1, MEDC has provided more than $7.5 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 244 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with $8.7 million raised from 44,141 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.