The city of Royal Oak is looking to the public to help fund what's being called a "smart park." The plans include an environmentally-friendly gathering space for kids, a center promoting local businesses through information kiosks, a Wi-Fi-connected outdoor work space with charging stations, an event space, a public art area, and more.
But first the city must raise $60,000 from the public through a crowdfunding campaign. The city has until June 16 to raise the money in order for the
Michigan Economic Development Corp. to award a matching grant from the Public Spaces Community Places program, which is also supported by the Michigan Municipal League and Patroncity, a crowdfunding site that opens municipal projects up to local residents to support.
The proposed smart park would be located on Center Street in downtown Royal Oak.
Check out the funding situation here.
"We are thrilled to move forward on such an incredibly ambitious project—one that will connect Royal Oak in smart new ways," says Jim Ellison, mayor of Royal Oak. "We have done our homework, talking to a variety of experts from 'green' planners to local technology gurus. We believe our smart park concept has potential on so many fronts."
"The Royal Oak Smart Park really exemplifies what Public Spaces Community Places is all about—the community banding together to transform an underutilized plaza into an unique and engaging destination,” says Katherine Czarnecki, community development director at the MEDC.
Source: City of Royal Oak
Writer: Kim North Shine
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