Crowdfunding Campaign Launched for Washington Square Gateway Pocket Park in Kalamazoo

$20,000 goal to win matching grant through MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative

 

LANSING, Mich. – The Edison Neighborhood Association, in partnership with local artist Jane Schelhas and Hollander Development, are raising funds to create an engaging public art installation and community pocket park at the northern corner of Washington Square in Edison Neighborhood. This effort will be fulfilled through the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Edison Neighborhood Association announced today, which is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $20,000 by August 17^th, the project will win a matching grant with funds made possible by MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP) program. For project details and to donate, please visit: patronicity.com/edison.

“This small space activation in Kalamazoo will have a big impact in welcoming people to this historic neighborhood,” said MEDC Regional Prosperity Managing Director Paula Holtz. “We are pleased to support and provide resources for this effort through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”

This project will transform a vacant but well trafficked corner into a vibrant and useful invitation to Edison Neighborhood’s Washington Square. As the Edison Neighborhood continues to grow as a thriving arts district, the neighborhood association is creating more spaces for residents and visitors to gather and access public art.

Funding from this campaign will complete the pocket park with an 8 ft. metal sculpture designed by a local artist, sculpture lighting and installation, accessible seating, a "Welcome to Washington Square — Edison Neighborhood" sign, native and drought-tolerant landscaping, and a mural designed by a local artist. Once complete, this project will reimagine this corner into a beautiful and enjoyable gateway for this “city within a city” otherwise known as Edison Neighborhood’s Historic Washington Square.

"Public art represents civic pride and community identity! It says, 'We care.' The pocket park provides a peaceful setting to enjoy 'Art for Art's sake' and encourages conversation and neighborhood connections,” said local Kalamazoo artist Jane Schelhaus about the project.

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.

“Art is one of many ways people connect with their surroundings, and children especially are drawn to art that they can physically interact with,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League. “By improving and beautifying a space that is already an important gathering spot for residents, this project demonstrates a strong investment in Kalamazoo as a whole and the historic Edison neighborhood in particular.”

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 June 16, 2025, MEDC has provided more than $14.2 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 413 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $16.2 million raised from 75,649 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.