Crowdfunding Campaign Launched for “Reflection Park” in Detroit

LANSING, Mich. – The NW Goldberg neighborhood in Detroit has a lesser-known history and roots that some residents and nonprofit leaders are attempting to bring light to within a new public space called Reflection Park. The neighborhood is a historically Black and Jewish community, and this new park will encapsulate the past, highlight the present, and help residents and visitors envision the future of their communities. This project will be fulfilled through the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the nonprofit Mezuzah announced today, which is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.  

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $50,000 by July 3, 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/reflection. 

“Public spaces that connect residents and visitors with the history and culture of the neighborhood are the epitome of intentional placemaking,” said MEDC Regional Development Managing Director Paula Holtz. “We are pleased to provide resources for this effort through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”

Reflection Park will create opportunities for discussion, education, and introspection. The park is designed with three sections: past, present, and future These time periods will be represented in different areas of the park and will highlight various historical pieces of the neighborhood, including people, places, buildings, significant moments, and cultural histories, and will include standing plaques, encased artifacts, and photos.  

Funds raised through this campaign will help the team complete the park with walking paths and seating areas, landscaping, historical signage and artifact cases, a storage shed, tables, chairs, and fencing. The space will also be regularly programmed for residents and groups visiting from beyond NW Goldberg community meetings, tours, monthly Stroller Clubs, and other events. This space will turn memories, stories, and visions into a permanent neighborhood place. 

“Reflection Park is Mezuzah's most transformative undertaking to date," said Jeremy Rosenberg, co-founder and executive director of Mezuzah. "This park, which will be a monument to the history of NW Goldberg and its generations of residents, would not be possible without the support of the Public Spaces Community Places grant program." 

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. 

“Placemaking is all about creating space for a community to come together, and Reflection Park will do just that,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League. “The neighborhood's historic roots run deep, and this project is a beautiful way to honor that legacy while providing a thoughtfully designed third space for residents and visitors to come together, learn, and connect.” 

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 28, 2026, MEDC has provided more than $14.7 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 424 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $16.77 million raised from 77,018 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.