Crowdfunding Campaign Launched for Lacombe Field for All in Negaunee

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

LANSING, Mich. – The well-used Lacombe playing field in Negaunee will soon add universal accessibility to its dugouts and spectator zones through the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), city of Negaunee, and Negaunee Little League announced today. The campaign is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $50,000 by June 3, 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/lacombe.

“This project will allow for Lacombe Field to become a truly public space accessible to all who want to enjoy a ballgame,” said MEDC Executive Vice President of Economic Development Incentives Michele Wildman. “We are pleased to support and provide resources for this project to complete the space through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”

This campaign will allow spectators and visitors to have universal access to the field, stands, concessions, bathrooms, and dugouts with ease making the field inclusive to all. Lacombe Field is utilized by not only the Negaunee Little League during the summer months but the events the community knows and loves, including the Renee Thomas Memorial Tournament, Iron Range Women's League, The Old Timers game, the Co-Ed League and the Alumni Softball Tournament.

"The city of Negaunee has been working to construct spaces that are inclusive to all residents and visitors. This project will be funded in part by a $50,000 MEDC PSCP grant if the crowdfunding goal is achieved, this project would not be possible without the support of the MEDC and crowdfunding support,” said Negaunee Planning and Zoning Administrator David Nelson. “The city of Negaunee encourages all residents both past and present, Negaunee School Alumni, area businesses, visitors, and utilizers of LaCombe Field to donate to this campaign to make the field Universally Accessible to all. Thank you all for your continued support of all things Negaunee.”

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 of the importance of building community wealth,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the League. “These improvements to the Lacombe field speak directly to the trust and belonging pillar as well as the public health pillar of community wealth building. The project will have a positive impact on the Negaunee community for generations to come, which is really 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 March 31, 2023, MEDC has provided more than $11.3 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 342 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $13 million raised from 65,253 individual donors. Communities have a 97 percent success rate in achieving their goals and earning matching funds.

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.