5 Hoosier projects seek crowdfunding support
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Project organizers in five Indiana communities have launched crowdfunding campaigns that could receive additional support from the state. The campaigns were created through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s CreatINg Places initiative.
The initiative provides matching grants of up to $50,000 for projects from not-for-profit organizations and local units of government with a minimum development cost of $10,000.
The Vincennes Rotary Foundation is looking to raise $14,500 for Christyn’s Place, a playground for children of all ages at Four Lakes Park that will also serve as a memorial for children who have passed away.
The memorial will feature a stone in which families can engrave the name of their child in their memory. The playground portion will include monkey bars, slides and ADA compliant swings for all ages and abilities, as well as sculptural musical play flowers.
“We hope to create a space where families and friends can come together to find peace, create new memories and share the ones we will forever hold in our hearts,” said Chelsea Harrington, mother of Christyn, after whom the park is named. “Together we have the strength to stop grief from casting shadows on our happy memories.”
The crowdfunding campaign has raised $5,690 to date ahead of its Oct. 23 deadline as of Wednesday evening.
In Evansville, the Friends of Woodmere Dog Park is looking to raise $45,000 to complete the park that will be located on the grounds of the city’s State Hospital. The funds raised will support the addition of shelters, hydration stations, and other amenities for both dogs and humans.
“Dog parks across our country enhance quality of life for a community and our project is sure to be a warm and welcoming spot for our pups and their humans,” Nancy Tarsitano Drake, park board president, said. “This grant opportunity will allow us to finish our build and get the gates open soon.”
The campaign has raised just over $11,000 ahead of its Oct. 27 deadline.
About 110 miles to the west, the Floyd County town of Georgetown is seeking $50,000 to develop a safe and ADA-compliant playground in Ashley Mariah Memorial Park. The town said the project would be the first accessible playground in western Floyd County.
“All-inclusive playgrounds are a must-have for every community, and Georgetown looks forward to making all-inclusive playgrounds a standard for our park system,” said Town Manager Reny Keener. “This proposal is a much-needed upgrade, and we are hopeful this playground will rejuvenate the energy surrounding Ashley Mariah Memorial Park.”
The campaign has raised just over $22,000 ahead of its Oct. 31 deadline.
Heading up north to Middlebury in Elkhart County, the Friends of Middlebury Parks is seeking $50,000 to build a trail connector from Riverbend Park to the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail on the town’s east side.
“The River Mill trail is a continuation of the Trails of Middlebury that connects our parks, neighborhoods and businesses providing safe transportation and recreation,” said Tom Enright, Middlebury Parks and Recreation superintendent. “Trail users will no longer need to cross SR 13 to reach key destinations in Middlebury. We support this trail wholeheartedly and love this project.”
The not-for-profit says the one-mile trail will connect two of the town’s parks, two neighborhoods, and several local businesses to the 17-mile Pumpkinvine Nature Trail.
The campaign has only raised $10 ahead of its Nov. 4 deadline.
Lastly, Markle Fish & Game Club Park in the town outside of Fort Wayne is seeking $50,000 to make major improvements to the park.
The funds raised through the campaign will support improvements to the park’s softball and baseball diamond with lights, dugouts and a concession stand. The project will also add picnic tables to the concert stage and install sun shades around the park.
“Markle Fish and Game Club Park has been a place where families come for outdoor recreation and a clean and wholesome environment,” said Park President Trent Winkler. “The park wants to continue on this wholesome path by upgrading several facilities throughout the park so that we may continue to provide a vibrant and inviting space for years to come.”
The campaign has raised $250 ahead of its Nov. 5 deadline.
The CreatINg Places program has provided more than $7 million in matching grant funds since its inception in 2016.