Making a splash
Laurium lanches fundraising effort
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LAURIUM -- Last week, the Village of Laurium announced it has partnered with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to complete the final aspects of the universally-friendly Splashing Through Laurium Splash Pad.
If the village can raise $18,000 toward the project, the MEDC will match that amount. To achieve the goal, the village has started a crowdfunding campaign through Patronicity.com. Patronicity is a civic crowdfunding platform that supports community and economic improvement projects in Michigan, Massachusetts, and Indiana.
For Michigan residents, the MEDC partners with Patronicity to offer Public Spaces Community Places grants. For this unique state government crowdgranting initiative, communities, nonprofits and other business entities use Patronicity to raise funds for their community improvement projects. Those that meet their fundraising goals can receive a matching grant from the MEDC of up to $50,000.
"If the crowdfunding goal of $18,000 is achieved, then the MEDC will match the $18,000," Village Manager Ian Lewis said.
The crowdfunding will run until July 13, 2025.
All donations made via this crowdfunding will go towards making the splash pad more inviting for everyone who attends the Splashing Through Laurium Splash Pad, Laurium's announcement says.
Donations can be made via the "contribute" tab on the campaign website. Otherwise, donations can also be made out via check or cash. Check and cash donations must state that it is in support of the Laurium splash pad.
During the regular May meeting of the Village Council Tuesday, Lewis said he had spoken with representatives of the splash pad. "They're going to get me the specs for the splash pad that was purchased within the budget we raised through fully-funded grants," Lewis said. "They're going to get me that so hopefully we can start doing everything we discussed earlier."
If funding allows, said Lewis, the Village of Laurium will also create a unique space surrounding the splash pad that will include purchasing raised flowers garden beds, benches and tables for seating, and shelter coverings or a pavilion so that all individuals can enjoy this revitalized area while they watch their friends, children, or grandkids splash around.
In March, the village received a $45,000 donation from the Keweenaw Health Foundation to assist in funding the splash pad. In January, Laurium was awarded a $20,000 grant from Copper Shores Community Health Foundation through the its Wellness and Outdoor Recreation Fund as part of the village's Get Active Initiative.
To view the fundraising campaign, visit http://patronicity.com/Laurium