Crowdfunding Campaigns Launch in Central Lake, Union City to Create New Public Spaces

LANSING, Mich. –  New public spaces across Michigan are being created with the support of the Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP) crowdgranting program. The projects launching this week include a historical site development and walking tour project and a universally accessible park and kayak launch project, both of which will transform vacant or underused space for public use and enjoyment.  

These projects will be fulfilled through the anticipated success of crowdfunding campaigns that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Michigan Municipal League announced today, which are being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity. If the campaigns reach their crowdfunding goals by the end of their campaign timeline, the projects will win a matching grant with funds made possible by the PSCP program.  

On Monday, June 8, the campaign to develop The New Inclusive Thurston Park in Central Lake launched, which will allow a beloved gathering space to become universally accessible. The universally accessible elements added will include accessible sidewalks throughout the park, connecting to downtown, as well as the universally accessible kayak launch, nearby courtesy docks, and connections to the pavilion and restrooms. It will also include the addition of universally accessible picnic tables, a bench, a drinking fountain, universally accessible restrooms, and accessible parking spaces near the pavilion.

As the heart and gathering place of Central Lake, Thurston Park invites the community to swim, fish, paddle, play, and connect. The park also serves as a vital access point on the 100-mile Chain of Lakes Water Trail, the only Pure Michigan Water Trail in Northern Michigan. Today, however, it is not fully accessible to all. The campaign will be open until August 6; you can learn more about this effort here: patronicity.com/thurston.

Launching on Friday, June 12, the Union City Cornerstones Walking Tour will allow the Union City Society for Historic Preservation to develop seven significant historical sites around the Village. The group aims to grow local pride and raise awareness of their rich heritage, including Underground Railroad sites, murals, sculptures, cemetery memorials, building histories, and more. Each cornerstone site will have interpretive signage with QR codes that will include historical photos/videos that tell the story of the Village of Union City. Check it out at patronicity.com/cornerstones before the campaign ends on August 12.

“Creating public spaces that are accessible to all and build civic pride and cognizance of local history is vital to 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.” 

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. 

“Belonging is essential to create thriving communities across our state,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League. “Whether emphasizing accessibility so that everyone can participate, celebrating local history, or simply providing a beautiful outdoor space where people can connect with each other, these two projects are wonderful examples of communities fostering a sense of belonging. This is what placemaking is all about.” 

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 4, 2026, the MEDC has provided more than $14.7 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 444 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $17.1 million raised from 77,843 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.