What’s happening: Efforts are underway to activate an underutilized section of Memory Isle Park in downtown Three Rivers with a new dog park, a project led by local volunteers, the City of Three Rivers and its Downtown Development Authority (DDA).
What’s planned: The Three Rivers Downtown Dog Park project aims to build a fenced-in dog park between the skate park and railroad tracks in the centrally located Memory Isle Park. Amenities will include a double-gated entrance and exit, dog waste stations, benches, wayfinding and signage, and more.
![]()
Rendering courtesy of J. Ballew / MEDC
What they’re saying: “The Michigan Municipal League is a strong supporter of placemaking projects happening around our state,” says Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the League. “This dog park is going to have a positive, lasting impact on the community which is really what placemaking is all about.”
How they’re doing it: The Three Rivers Downtown Dog Park project has been accepted into the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Public Spaces Community Places placemaking initiative. Should organizers successfully raise $10,000 through a crowdfunding campaign by Monday, July 17, the MEDC will contribute an additional $10,000 by way of a matching grant.
The Three Rivers Downtown Dog Park crowdfunding campaign is hosted on the Michigan-based Patronicity platform,
which is available online.
Why it’s important: “The PSCP Grant Program allows the idea of having an inner-city dog park to come to fruition. Thanks to the crowdfunding match, we will be able to invest in quality materials that will keep the space functional for decades to come,” says Three Rivers DDA and Main Street Program Executive Director Cameron Mains. “We strive to provide new and exciting opportunities for Three Rivers, Michigan, and this program helps us to do just that.”
Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.