A pair of crowdfunding campaigns have been launched in two Wayne County communities to improve daily life through placemaking. The projects are part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Public Spaces Community Places placemaking initiative.
Should each of the crowdfunding campaigns reach their fundraising goals, the MEDC will contribute matching grants to help make these projects a reality. Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity is hosting the campaigns.
In the downriver community of Trenton, a crowdfunding campaign has been launched for the construction of the
Wildlife Refuge School Ship Dock and Fishing Pier. Located at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge--the only international wildlife refuge in North America--the dock and fishing pier will be a 700 ft.-long dock dedicated to public space and educational programming.
The dock will offer free shore fishing access to area anglers. The dock will also host Michigan Sea Grant’s Great Lakes school ship, providing metro Detroit schoolchildren a "living laboratory" field trip destination on the river and refuge.
The crowdfunding campaign has until Aug. 31 to raise $50,000. A successful campaign will result in MEDC contributing an additional $50,000 to the project.
More information is available online.
In the city of Wayne, a crowdfunding campaign has been launched for
Bike Wayne--Downtown Bike Rack Program. The campaign aims to improve downtown Wayne through the installation of 20 custom bike racks, as well as refurbishing existing bike racks there. The money raised will also be used to promote biking. Starting in the fall and continuing through next spring and summer, pop-up bike repair and safety event programming will also be held.
The bike-centric placemaking initiative aims to both improve the health and wellness of Wayne residents while also increasing foot traffic in downtown Wayne.
The crowdfunding campaign has until Aug. 31 to raise $5,500. A successful campaign will result in MEDC contributing an additional $5,500 to the project.
More information is available online.
Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.