City Launches Crowdfunding Campaign for New Downtown Gathering Space

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 29, 2022. City and Cornerstone Alliance Announce Crowdfunding Campaign for New Downtown Pocket Park. $50,000 needed to secure matching grant from Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

                       FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                CONTACT: Tyler Dotson, City Manager

Watervliet, MI – Working together, the City of Watervliet and Cornerstone Alliance out of Benton Harbor are excited to announce a new “pocket park” located at 390 N. Main St. in Downtown Watervliet. The project will consist of a bandshell pavilion, festoon lighting, bistro tables and chairs, a water fountain, shade trees, and various elements of ADA accessibility. The enhanced public space will also include a food truck areas, ornamental tree/shrubs, and benches.

Using community input from the 2015 Downtown Vision Plan, leaders from the City and Cornerstone worked on several conceptual ideas to create a project that would enhance current local activities and events while equally planning for future programming. The anticipated impacts of the project include but are not limited to; increased downtown foot traffic, consumer activity, and the creation of a space to connect friends, neighbors, and the business community.

The project budget has been set between $200,000-$250,000 with $150,000 in contributions coming from the City, DDA, Cornerstone Alliance, and an anonymous donor. While 75% funded, the project will need to fundraise at least an additional $50,000 to realize completion. Partnering with the MEDC, the City is utilizing a crowdfunding program called “Public Spaces Community Places” to secure the remaining funds needed. As stated on the MEDC’s website, “the grant program is available to municipalities with projects that focus on activation of public spaces and community places, such as an outdoor plaza or park enhancements and that have established public awareness and local momentum. Once a project has been chosen and the funding gap has been identified, the community can apply to MEDC to conduct a crowdfunding campaign of up to $50,000 generated in part by donations from community residents and stakeholders. Funding generated by the campaign will be matched with a grant by MEDC.”

City Manager Tyler Dotson stated that “this project is exactly what we’ve been trying to do for the past few years, in that we’re matching various grants, donors, and local partners to stretch the taxpayer dollar while providing services and amenities that really make an impact to the community. It’s good government and will really make a difference in the community.”

With additional donations needed, the City is hopeful that local businesses and residents will consider donating towards the project. Future events that have been discussed at the new park include; a farmer’s market, pop-up vendor events, food truck rally’s, a summer time concert series, and the potential creation of a social district. The fundraising campaign is now active and will run through December 31, 2022.

To visit the project webpage and to donate, please visit: https://www.patronicity.com/project/watervliet_pocket_park_activation#!/

For more information, please call Watervliet City Hall at 269-463-6769 during normal business hours or visit the City’s website at www.watervliet.org.