Crowdfunding Campaign Launched for “Escanaba on Ice”

LANSING, Mich. – The local nonprofit Enhance Escanaba is leading the charge to create a universally accessible refrigerated ice-skating rink at Ludington Park. This project will be fulfilled through the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Enhance Escanaba announced today, which is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.  

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $75,000 by June 30, the project will win a matching grant with funds made possible by MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP) program. This project will be receiving an additional $25,000 in matching funds through the PSCP Universal Design and Accessibility Funding Extension. For project details and to donate, please visit: patronicity.com/icerink. 

“A refrigerated ice rink built with the principles of Universal Design and Accessibility will allow for seasonal recreation for all, despite the changing temperatures of recent winters,” said MEDC Regional Development Managing Director Paula Holtz. “We are pleased to provide resources for this effort through our Public Spaces Community Places program.” 

Funding from this campaign will directly support the completion of the seasonal refrigerated ice-skating rink in its central location at Ludington Park. The rink is removable when the snow leaves in April. With today's technology, in the winter climate, these rinks can be operated from November 1 until April 1. The rink includes full rink walls similar to a hockey rink and a refrigerated ice surface maintained by chillers. The project also adds a six-foot walkway and an adjacent ramp to ensure straightforward access and create a space that’s universally accessible for residents and visitors alike. 

The City of Escanaba has not had an outdoor ice-skating rink for a few years because the winter weather has been too warm to create ice. The refrigerated ice would allow a skateable surface even if the temperature is above freezing. This is an opportunity for residents in the community to enjoy a treasured winter activity but is also unique enough to draw skaters to the area to experience skating throughout the winter months. It is also Enhance Escanaba’s hope to promote and initiate a community venue that could be used to inspire other winter activities or events. 

“With community support, we’re turning a seasonal activity into a lasting community asset that strengthens Escanaba for generations to come,” said Karen Moore, Board President of Enhance Escanaba. “We have met the initial funding requirements so moving into the next step Enhance Escanaba will be eligible to receive a matching grant from the MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places to reach our goal! The matching grant is a great catalyst for this project that will bring people and the community together.” 

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 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 treasured spaces in a community, and the addition of a removable refrigerated ice-skating rink to Ludington Park will make it an even more dynamic space for residents,” said Dan Gilmartin, Executive Director and CEO of the Michigan Municipal League. “As Michiganders, we appreciate more than most when we have an opportunity to leave our homes in the long gray months of winter for recreation and a chance to connect with neighbors.” 

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 April 23, 2026, MEDC has provided more than $14.7 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 421 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $16.75 million raised from 77,002 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.