What’s happening: An otherwise unremarkable field at A.B. Maley Park in Benzie County’s Village of Honor is set to be transformed into the Maley Park Playground. The patch of grass in question is triangle-shaped, and the planned playground would make use of a space that project organizers characterize as underutilized and largely inactive.
What it is: Despite the triangle-shaped field in question, A.B. Maley Park is an otherwise busy and active destination. Attractions include a large gazebo, swing set, and a working artisan well. Maley Park is also site to the recurring
Honor Farmers - Artists & Makers Market and the annual
National Coho Salmon Festival, which is scheduled this year from Aug. 23 through Aug. 25.
What’s planned: The Village of Honor wants to activate the space and install a new playground at Maley Park. Amenities would include a large primary play structure, a smaller independent play structure, a swing set, new seating and parking spots, and perimeter fencing.
How they’re doing it: The Maley Park Playground project has been accepted into the state’s placemaking initiative Public Spaces Community Places, a joint effort from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity. As part of the initiative, the Village of Honor has launched a $50,000 crowdfunding campaign on the Michigan-based Patronicity platform. Should they successfully reach their goal by Friday, Aug. 30, the MEDC will contribute a $50,000 matching grant to the project.
Learn more about the Maley Park Playground project
on Patronicity.
Why it’s important: “The PSCP matching grant program is a game changer that will allow the Village of Honor to provide a much-needed playground for children in the community,” reads a statement from Dallas Denoyer, Village of Honor council member and president of the Maley Park Playground Committee. “Without these funds this project would not be possible. We are very grateful and excited to make this dream a reality!”
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