Crowdfunding campaign launched for the Douglas Park Project

$25,000 goal to win matching grant through MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative

LANSING, Mich. – The city of Douglas will gain new amenities and accessibility within two prominent parks through a new crowdfunding campaign, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and city of Douglas announced today. The campaign is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $25,000 by June 30, 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/dpp.

“Activating underused spaces and creating more vibrant and inclusive public places is what our program is all about,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Community Development Michele Wildman. “We are pleased to support and provide resources for the Douglas Park Project through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”

This campaign will refresh Beery Field’s playscapes and put in an entirely new playspace at Schultz Park. These parks are highly visible and are main sources for recreation for the surrounding areas, but are in need of renovation to create inclusive and creative spaces for everyone. This campaign will provide safe space for young children and creative play space for older children at Beery Field, and complete safe and accessible pour and play surfacing, ADA compliant structures, sensory play, and an adult fitness area at Schultz Park.

“The Douglas Park Project is excited to kick off the Public Spaces Community Places program with the MEDC. This grant opportunity will allow us to complete a revitalization at Beery Field and work toward our renovation goal at Schultz Park this summer,” said Anna Gregg, committee chair of the Douglas Park Project. “Our goal of providing this great community a creative space for children of all ages and abilities to enjoy is becoming a reality.”

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 building community wealth in ways that enhance the human experience for everyone,” said MML CEO and Executive Director Dan Gilmartin. “That’s what the proposed improvements at Beery Fields and Schultz Park would do – make existing spaces better for all. That is what community wealth building is all about.”

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 April 28, 2021, MEDC has provided more than $8.4 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 267 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with $9.8 million raised from 47,364 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.