Crowdfunding Campaign Launches in Negaunee for Community Dog Park

LANSING, Mich. –  The local nonprofit Iron Town Dog Park is creating a safe, free-to-use 1.3-acre fenced, off-leash area within Jackson Mine Park designed for dogs to socialize and exercise safely. This project will be fulfilled through the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the nonprofit Iron Town Dog Park announced today, which is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.  

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $23,625 by August 19, 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/IronTownDogPark. 

“Creating public spaces that are free, accessible, and that meet local demand is critical to providing quality community development,” said Paula Holtz, MEDC Managing Director for Regional Development. “We are proud to provide resources for these efforts through our Public Spaces Community Places program.” 

Funding from this campaign will allow the all-volunteer group, Iron Town Dog Park, to build out the perfect space for their long-awaited public dog park. The City of Negaunee has partnered on this project to provide a long-term lease of 1.3 acres of underdeveloped land across from the Jim Thomas Pavilion in Jackson Mine Park. The Iron Town Dog Park Committee and designated community members will maintain the space.  

Through the success of this campaign, the group will use the funding to transform the wooded area into a perfectly shaded off-leash dog park, including the following elements; a chain link fence enclosing 1.3-acres, separate enclosures for small and large breed dogs, a dual gate entrance, benches throughout the park, dog bag waste stations, garbage cans, agility equipment, and a 6ft maintenance gate. 

“This matching PSCP grant will help build needed momentum for the Iron Town Dog Park. It will create excitement and urgency, encouraging people to give before the deadline passes. Businesses and individuals may be willing to contribute a little more, knowing that their donations will be matched by the MEDC,” said Miles Stearn, director of the Iron Town Dog Park. “The crowdfunding campaign will help cover the expenses to complete the project.” 

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. 

“As the winner of the Michigan Municipal League’s 2025 Community Excellence Award, Negaunee has proven itself to be a leader in high-quality, resident-forward placemaking,” said Dan Gilmartin, Executive Director and CEO of the Michigan Municipal League. “This upcoming dog park will continue that tradition, creating a wonderful third space for Negaunee’s canine citizens and their human companions.” 

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 15, 2026, the MEDC has provided more than $14.7 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 447 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $17.3 million raised from 78,376 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.