$40,000 goal to win matching grant through MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative

LANSING, Mich. – Cheboygan County has partnered with a committed group of its community members to transform an unused section of the County Fairgrounds into a large, fenced open space for beloved doggies. This effort will be fulfilled through the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Cheboygan County announced today, which is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity. 

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $40,000 by January 14^th, the project will win a matching grant with funds made possible by MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places program. For project details and to donate, please visit: patronicity.com/cheboygan. 

“Dog Parks are a win-win for dogs, dog owners, and community members without dogs alike; they create a safe contained area for dogs to gather and play and divert conflict in areas where dog access may be discouraged,” said MEDC Regional Prosperity Managing Director Paula Holtz. “We are pleased to support and provide resources for this project through our Public Spaces Community Places program.” 

A group of dedicated volunteers that include residents throughout Cheboygan County and members of the City of Cheboygan Parks and Recreation Commission working in collaboration with Cheboygan County have come together to activate a new public space near Downtown Cheboygan by constructing a community dog park within an unused space on the County Fairgrounds property. 

The funding from this campaign will allow the community group to complete the new dog park by constructing a high-quality fence around the perimeter of a one-acre area for both a large and small dogs, place comfortable benches inside the park, plant trees to provide shade, install dog waste stations, and install park signage throughout. This collaborative effort will result in a vibrant new space where residents and visitors can have a safe and fun place for their four-legged friends to play. 

"The Michigan Public Spaces Community Places Grant program will play a vital role in bringing the Cheboygan County Community Dog Park to life, fostering a welcoming space for pets and their owners. This initiative not only enhances community engagement but also will activate the use of an underused public space,” said Ron Weisberger, Cheboygan County Community Dog Park Co-Chair. “With the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and donor funding support, Cheboygan County will now boast a vibrant park that strengthens community bonds and enriches the quality of life for residents and visitors." 

Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League and Patronicity, in which local 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 dog park will provide Cheboygan County a new space for creating community engagement,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League. “By taking an underused piece of land, they will create a vibrant third space for its resident pet owners and their pets.”  

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 November 8, 2024, MEDC has provided more than $13.4 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 395 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $15.3 million raised from 73,339 individual donors. Communities have a 97 percent success rate in achieving their goals and earning matching funds. 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation 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. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.