ALLEGAN, Mich. — The City of Allegan is turning to the community to help raise funds for a makeover of Mahan Park.
The goal of the Downtown Allegan Mahan Park Project is to raise $50,000 through a crowdfunding campaign, which will then win the city a matching grant.
This will give the city $100,000 to renovate the park, create a universally accessible pedestrian plaza and improve the existing infrastructure.
The city partnered with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to launch the fundraising using the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.
If the campaign reaches its goal of $50,000 by July 31, it will win a matching grant with funds from the MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places program.
“We are so pleased to see the idea of improving Mahan Park reach this point as a fully realized project that creates an inclusive and modernized beloved community place,” said Becky Weaver, owner of Sherwood’s Cove.
The city developed a plan to preserve the original layout of Mahan Park that the community has enjoyed over the past 40 years while also making necessary improvements.
The terraced seating will stay, but there will be new spaces for those with mobility issues. The plan also addresses the deteriorating components of the park, like the wooden gazebo.
“The Public Spaces Community Places grant program through the MEDC is an instrumental piece in realizing the transformation of Mahan Park to prolong its legacy as a community favorite space along the Kalamazoo River,” said Joel Dye, the city manager of Allegan.
Dye said the funding of up to $100,000 would significantly contribute to the city's $400,000 improvement plan, enhancing the park with a new steel structure, beautified landscaping, an accessible plaza and modern street lighting.
Donations can be made online here or in person at Allegan City Hall.
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