What’s happening: A new pocket park could soon be built atop a vacant lot in downtown Byron – and it could one day lead to a whole lot more. The Village of Byron has announced plans for the Byron Pocket Park project, which would serve as both a community gathering space and a gateway to a future riverwalk proposed to be built along the Shiawassee River.
What’s planned: Byron’s Downtown Development Authority would transform an underutilized lot into a pocket park complete with new trees and landscaping, an accessible pathway, public art, seating, and more.
Why it’s important: “The Village of Byron is making the most of a space already central to the flow of pedestrians downtown, which will foster deeper existing social connections and create new ones to nearby natural features, like the Shiawassee River,” says Dan Gilmartin, Executive Director and CEO of the Michigan Municipal League. “This is exactly what activating spaces in communities is all about.”
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How they’ll do it: Byron and its pocket park 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, organizers have launched a $50,000 crowdfunding campaign on the Michigan-based Patronicity platform. Should they successfully reach their goal by Monday, Dec. 30, the MEDC will contribute a $50,000 matching grant to the project.
Learn more about the Byron Pocket Park project on
Patronicity.
What they’re saying: “The Public Spaces, Community Places matching grant program offers a transformative opportunity for Byron’s proposed Pocket Park downtown, serving as a gateway to our future River Walk,” says Rob Vandemark, Byron DDA Chairperson. “This initiative, in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, provides vital funding that will enhance our community’s outdoor spaces. Byron DDA is thrilled to launch this campaign, which will bring us one step closer to realizing our vision of a vibrant and accessible riverfront area.”
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