Contact:

Ian Lewis
Village Manager
715.853.8450
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2025

$18,000 goal to win matching grant through MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative

LANSING, Mich. — The Village of Laurium is transforming an underused area within the George Gipp Recreation Area by creating a universally designed all-inclusive splash pad that all individuals will be able to enjoy. This effort will be fulfilled through the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Village of Laurium announced today, which is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.  

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $18,000 by July 13th, 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/laurium. 

“Splashpads are important spaces of public recreation during the summertime in Michigan,” said MEDC Regional Prosperity Managing Director Paula Holtz. “They provide refuge from heat and a welcoming space to gathering and we are pleased to support and provide resources for this expansion project through our Public Spaces Community Places program.” 

In the 2023 Laurium Master Plan the Village identifies that 12% of community members have various disabilities and have set out to renovate the George Gipp Recreation Area to be accessible to all. The Village chose Penchura, LLC and Aquatix by Landscape Structures because of their insight and experience in designing both school and community playgrounds throughout the Upper Peninsula. 

The funding from this campaign will complete an all new and universally inclusive activity area located in the George Gipp Recreation Area is going to be designed to help promote the fostering of relationships of children and families, while also ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to live a healthy and active lifestyle throughout Laurium and the Copper Country.  

“The Village of Laurium is excited to announce its partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) through its Public Spaces Community Places program. If our fundraising goal is achieved, the MEDC will match the fundraising goal amount,” said Ian Lewis, Village Manager of Laurium. “This program will not only support the creation of the Keweenaw’s first universally accessible splash pad; however, it will also help create a more inviting and fun atmosphere for all individuals that attend the Splashing Through Laurium Splash Pad.” 

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. 

“This is more than just a splash pad; it’s an investment in community connection and health,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League. “Children everywhere need environments where they can play and be curious. The League is proud to support these improvements to the George Gipp Recreation Area that prioritize the safety and inclusion of all.” 

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 January 29, 2025, MEDC has provided more than $13.6 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 398 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $15.4 million raised from 73,879 individual donors. Communities have a 97 percent success rate in achieving their goals and earning matching funds. 

Michigan Municipal League is dedicated to making Michigan’s communities better by thoughtfully innovating programs, energetically connecting ideas and people, actively serving members with resources and services, and passionately inspiring positive change for Michigan’s greatest centers of potential: its communities. The League advocates on behalf of its member communities in Lansing, Washington, D.C., and the courts; provides educational opportunities for elected and appointed municipal officials; and assists municipal leaders in administering services to their communities through League programs and services. Learn more at mml.org. 

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