Crowdfunding campaign launched for the ‘Holland State Park Playground’ Project

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

$17,000 goal to win matching grant through MEDC and MSHDA’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative

Lansing, Mich. – The Holland State Park beach will soon receive a formal playground through a new crowdfunding campaign, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Lakeshore Advantage, and Carter’s Kids announced today. The campaign will be offered through Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.  

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $17,000 by August 8, the Holland State Park Playground 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: https://www.patronicity.com/project/holland_state_park_playground

“Supporting community-led and driven projects is what the Public Spaces, Community Places program was created to do,” said MEDC Community Development Director Katharine Czarnecki. “This project is an excellent example of that citizen leadership transformed into supported developments and we are pleased to partner with and provide resources to this effort.” 

The funds raised during this campaign will build a safe, inclusive, and exciting playscape that will enrich the existing recreational opportunities at Holland State Park. There is currently no space for organized play and few options to engage children in a secure environment. This project uses the ideas of one local grandmother, amplified with the help of Lake Michigan Credit Union and local landscape architects, to make them a reality.  

The park will be constructed by a team from TV personality Carter Oosterhouse’s nonprofit charity Carter’s Kids. Lakeshore Advantage, a nonprofit economic development organization that drives business growth in West Michigan, provided support through developing the marketing and supporting the fundraising strategy.

“Holland State Park is an incredible community asset that attracts visitors from all over the world,” said Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage. “The investment by the MEDC and community in this playground will ensure the thousands of kids who visit the park on a daily basis can truly enjoy this shining example of Pure Michigan beauty.” 

Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, MSHDA, the Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity where 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, non-profits and other business entities can apply at https://patronicity.com/puremichigan

Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy. 

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.