Downtown Allegan’s Mahan Park will expand its gathering space with the creation of a new universally accessible pedestrian plaza and improvements to the existing infrastructure through the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign. The City of Allegan has partnered with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to launch the fundraising through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.
If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $50,000 by July 31, the project will win a matching grant with funds made possible by MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places program. For project details and to donate, please visit: patronicity.com/mahan. Donations may also be made in person at Allegan City Hall.
“We are so pleased to see the idea of improving Mahan Park reach this point as a fully realized project that creates an inclusive and modernized beloved community place,” said Becky Weaver, owner of Sherwood’s Cove.
Over the past 40 years, Allegan’s Riverfront has been a gathering place for community members to enjoy festivals, concerts, holidays, weddings, and other celebrations. The City of Allegan has developed a plan to preserve the original layout of Mahan Park and keeping its best features like the terraced seating, while making the necessary improvements to create an accessible space for those with mobility issues and address the deteriorating components of the park, including the wooden gazebo.
This campaign will complete the necessary renovation of Mahan Park with features like a new universally accessible pedestrian plaza to ensure that this community jewel will be there for generations of people that love Allegan for decades to come.
“The Public Spaces Community Places grant program through the MEDC is an instrumental piece in realizing the transformation of Mahan Park to prolong its legacy as a community favorite space along the Kalamazoo River,” said Joel Dye, City Manager. “The funding of up to $100,000 will significantly contribute to our $400,000 improvement plan, enhancing the park with a new steel structure, beautified landscaping, an accessible plaza, and modern street lighting, ultimately remodeling Mahan Park to meet the standard of the updated Downtown Allegan.”
For additional information contact: Joel Dye, City Manager 269.895.2031 jdye@cityofallegan.org
