Crowdfunding campaign launched for the “Lapeer Saginaw Street Paddle Landing” project

$7,000 goal to win matching grant through MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative

 

LANSING, Mich. –Lapeer will soon gain a new paddle landing and expanded access to the Flint River through a crowdfunding campaign, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Flint River Watershed Coalition announced today. The campaign is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $7,000 by May 10, 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/lapeerlanding.

“Creating access and recreation opportunities for our water trails allows us to enjoy our state’s best assets,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Community Development Michele Wildman. “We are pleased to support and provide resources for this effort through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”

The Lapeer Chapter of the Flint River Watershed Coalition (FRWC), in partnership with Lapeer County Parks, has planned for 10 years to build a canoe and kayak landing on the Flint River at North Saginaw Street. The Saginaw Street Landing is an important piece of the paddle trail in Lapeer. It activates the Cramton Park and Rotary Park (another successful FRWC project) kayak launches in Downtown Lapeer by providing an endpoint or picnic break for folks who launch at Cramton or Rotary.

At 3.4 and 2.5 miles respectively, these paddles are perfect for beginners and those looking for a bit of relaxation in the city. Without the Saginaw Street Landing, the closest take-out point from Rotary Park is Millville Road, about six miles, or four+ hours, downstream. The Saginaw Street Landing also provides a perfect launch point for experienced paddlers who want to explore the pristine nature of the Flint River through Lapeer County with a longer trip.

“Since the beginning of the Lapeer Chapter of the FRWC in 2002, a massive stewardship push by volunteers has created countless ways for our community to engage with the watershed,” said Peter McCreedy, chair of the Lapeer Chapter of the Flint River Watershed Coalition. “The completion of the Saginaw Street Landing is an invaluable addition to our ability to paddle this river, and to take care of it, and would not be possible without the Lapeer community and the MEDC matching grant. Thank you for your support!”

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.

“The Michigan Municipal League is a firm believer in improving the human experience in our communities,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League. “That’s what this project does. It takes existing placemaking assets and makes them better. With the financial assistance of Lapeer area supporters, this new paddle landing will improve the river experience for people and be a source of pride for years to come.”

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 March 9, MEDC has provided nearly $8.4 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 263 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with $9.6 million raised from 46,887 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.