Splash pad committee begins matching crowdfunding campaign. 

February 27, 2019

Ludington Splash Pad design.

Splash pad committee begins matching crowdfunding campaign. 

LUDINGTON — A crowdfunding campaign has recently be started to assist with raising money for the splash pad planned for Copeyon Park.

The campaign was announced by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the City of Ludington announced today and is being offered through Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $50,000 by April 27, 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/lsp.

“Ludington is one of several cities leading the way in showcasing the importance of accessibility for all in placemaking,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Community Development Katharine Czarnecki. “We are pleased to provide resources for this effort through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”

According to a press release from MEDC, the campaign will allow the City of Ludington to implement a universally accessible splash pad at Copeyon Park.

Vortex Aquatic Structures International was the company chosen by the independent splash pad committee to help create a project design appropriate. After several months of sharing concepts and crafting prototypes, the team chose a design that would resonate well with Ludington’s coastal community.

“We are having a community fundraiser, jumping into frigid Lake Michigan in April. This matching grant is so important to our event because, if we meet the goal, every pledge will be doubled. We are so close to building a Splash Pad for our community, and this grant is helping to make our kids dream a reality,” said Stephanie Reed, chair of the Ludington Splash Pad Committee.

Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League and Patronicity in which residents can use crowdfunding to be involved in the development of strategic projects in their communities, backed with a matching grant from MEDC. Communities, nonprofits and other business entities can apply at https://patronicity.com/puremichigan.

“Creating accessible public spaces is key to great placemaking,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and executive director of the Michigan Municipal League. “Ludington’s water play area and splash pad will be an inviting amenity for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.”

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 Feb. 27, 2019, MEDC has provided $6,004,441 in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 195 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $7 million raised from 36,938 individual donors.

Eats