Crowdfunding campaign launches in Bridgman to complete Salute the Troops Playground

LANSING, Mich. –  The Greater Bridgman Chamber and Growth Alliance have joined forces with the Bridgman American Legion Post 331 to develop the Salute the Troops Playground, a universally accessible family gathering and play space. This project will be fulfilled through the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Greater Bridgman Chamber and Growth Alliance and the Bridgman American Legion Post 331 announced today, which is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity. 

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $75,000 by Jan. 9, the project will win a matching grant with funds made possible by MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP) program. This project is utilizing the PSCP Universal Design and Accessibility Funding Extension to access funding for existing public spaces that are creating universal design and accessibility in their space. For project details and to donate, please visit: patronicity.com/salute.

“The Salute the Troops Playground goes above and beyond to create a meaningful space for play where all community members are welcomed and can gather and use the space regardless of ability,” said Paula Holtz, MEDC Managing Director for Regional Development. “We are proud to provide resources for this effort through our PSCP program.”

The new playground will be built at the American Legion in Bridgman and will welcome local and regional families and visitors to Southwest Michigan to a place where play and purpose come together. By connecting play with the values of the veterans who serve the community, the playground will teach the next generation about gratitude, respect and the importance of service. The inclusive elements of the development will create a fun and educational experience for children, complete with custom-designed play structures representing all six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. This includes educational features such as engraved pavers and plaques honoring local veterans, a Navy ship climber, a Marine obstacle course, an Army Jeep, an Air Force fighter jet and a Space Force rocket. The space will also have a memorial garden and reflection area balancing play with remembrance.

The funding from this campaign will complete the following features of the new universally accessible playscape: two van accessible parking spaces with Universal Design (UD) features, an accessible route with UD features, three dispersed benches, artificial turf that complies with UD’s requirement for a smooth and continuous ground surface and a ramp providing access to inclusive play components supporting the UD principle of access to both ground-level and elevated-level activities. This development will strengthen the intergenerational connection between veterans, their families, and the community.

“Public Spaces Community Places puts the power in our community’s hands: when we reach our crowdfunding goal, MEDC will match it,” said Cheri Heward, Bridgman CGA Board Chair. “That support turns the Salute the Troops Playground from an idea into a place where kids can play, and our community can honor those who served.” 

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.

“Communities thrive by investing in future generations, while recognizing the contributions of those that came before,” said Dan Gilmartin, Executive Director and CEO of the Michigan Municipal League. “The Salute the Troops Playground does both. The League is proud to support placemaking projects like Bridgman’s that honor local history and provide a joyful space for children of all abilities to play and thrive.”

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 Nov. 4, 2026, the MEDC has provided more than $15.8 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 453 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $18 million raised from 81,541 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 Threads.