City of Grand Ledge Launches Crowdfunding Campaign for ADA Inclusive Playground at Jaycee Park
GRAND LEDGE, MI, April 1, 2025 — The City of Grand Ledge has officially launched a community crowdfunding campaign to bring a universally designed, ADA-inclusive playground to Jaycee Park. This transformative project will redefine accessibility and inclusive play for people of all ages and abilities.
The proposed 12,000-square-foot playground is uniquely designed to address the park’s 80-foot elevation change, offering full ADA accessibility throughout the structure and into the park along the Grand River. This universally designed playground will not only ensure all children, regardless of ability, can play together, but it will also provide a long-awaited safe and inclusive pathway into the park's lower levels.
The city is partnering with Patronicity, a Michigan-based crowdfunding platform focused on community development, to raise $75,000 by May 31, 2025. These funds will contribute to the project’s estimated $1.2 million cost. With nearly 60% of the funding already secured, the city is actively seeking additional support through grants, private donors, and this community-driven campaign to meet the full funding goal by June 2025. If successful, the new playground will be completed and open for public use by this fall.
“The community has been waiting a long time for not just a new playground, but for a safe way to get down the hill,” said Mayor Keith Mulder. “We had over 57,000 visitors to Jaycee Park in 2024. This project responds directly to what our residents have asked for, and now is the time to make it a reality.”
The existing, 30+ year old playground structure in Jaycee Park is one of only two in the city. With replacement parts no longer available, several portions of the structure were removed as it was unsafe. The vision for the new project stems from the 2013 Jaycee Park Master Plan and was reaffirmed in a 2024 community survey, demonstrating strong public support for the revitalization of the playground. “As a Special Education teacher and Grand Ledge City Council Member, a universally designed playground means my students, and children like my own daughters, can play, explore, and belong, side by side with their peers. That’s the kind of community we can build in Grand Ledge,” stated Dave Logel.
The city invites residents, businesses, and advocates for inclusive play to join this fundraising effort. Contributions of all sizes will help ensure that Grand Ledge’s future playground is a space where visitors of all ages and abilities can play, explore, and thrive.
To learn more or to donate, visit https://tinyurl.com/JCPlayatGL
About the City of Grand Ledge:
Nestled along the scenic Grand River, the City of Grand Ledge is a vibrant community dedicated to creating inclusive spaces and enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike. With a strong commitment to accessibility, sustainability, and community-driven development, Grand Ledge continues to invest in a future where everyone is welcome. For more information, visit www.cityofgrandledge.com and follow @CityofGrandLedgeGovernment.
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