News Release
Crowdfunding Effort for New Picnic Shelter a Success
Friends of Williamston Parks and the Williamston Area Beautification Fund have met their goal of raising $29,000 for a new picnic shelter at Volunteers Community Park, on the corner of Putnam and School streets. The money will be matched by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation through its Public Spaces Community Places grant program.
“We are grateful to the Williamston area community for stepping up and donating to this cause,” stated Heather Galecka. “Their generosity will make it possible to create a new outdoor gathering space in the heart of Williamston.” More than 150 people supported the campaign. Major donors include Todd and Gillian Granger, The Guter Family, Independent Bank, Williamston Sunrise Rotary Foundation, Williamston Area Senior Center, Paul Chesley and William and Mary Lou Somerville.
Phase 2 of the park’s improvement plan includes a picnic shelter, picnic tables and paved walkway to the playground area, which will be installed in spring 2022. The crowdfunding campaign ran from Sept. 13 to Oct. 22 and raised more than $29,000. For additional project details and updates, visit www.patronicity.com/williamston.
“With the installation of this picnic shelter, Volunteers Community Park will be fully renovated into a new gathering space that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Community Development Michele Wildman. “We are pleased to support and provide resources for this project through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) 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. 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.
The Friends of Williamston Parks began in 2015 to focus on park improvement efforts. For more information about the Friends of Williamston Parks, visit www.williamstonparks.org or email williamstonparks@gmail.com.