Crowdfunding Campaign Launched for City of Perry Veterans Memorial Park Project

$15,000 goal to win matching grant through MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative

LANSING, Mich. – The City of Perry hopes to build a new playscape at Veterans Memorial Park this summer through the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the City of Perry announced the campaign today, which is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.  

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $15,000 by May 17th, 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/perry24. 

 

“This project will transform an unused lot into a play space for generations to come for Perry and the region,” said MEDC Regional Prosperity Managing Director Paula Holtz. “We are pleased to support and provide resources for this project through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”

In August 2023, a tornado destroyed the park's pavilion, and the City is currently rebuilding the pavilion with the help of insurance funds. Through the support of Perry City Council, the City of Perry Parks Committee will add more amenities to the park at the same time to make the park a community destination and complete the park in its grandest vision.  

The park is a beautiful tribute to our service men and women. In addition to the flag circle and memorial honoring all branches of the military, the pavilion and grounds are used throughout the year for community events. The sites are often rented to host family reunions, birthday parties, and graduation celebrations. However, there is currently no play equipment at the park, and by adding a playscape, this will give residents and visitors alike more options for outdoor play and gathering. 

“The City of Perry is excited to partner with the MEDC for our park improvement project at Veterans Memorial Park,” said Meggen Galbreath, Treasurer & Park Committee Member. “After the park was severely damaged by a tornado last August, we are looking to not only put the pieces back together but to also add value to our park inventory. With the support of our community and the MEDC, without which this project would not be possible, we are hoping to not only restore but enhance this park.”   

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. 

“Parks are a great way to bring members of a community together,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League. “Adding a playscape will create more opportunities for children and families to make memories, and it will positively impact the Perry community for generations 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 12, 2024, MEDC has provided more than $12.4 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 369 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $14.2 million raised from 68,457 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.