Ferndale and HP Among 46 Projects from 28 Cities Vying for Funding

(Adapted from MML Press Release, Ferndale 115 News, May 21, 2012)

May 17, 2012 – It’s About Place, a contest sponsored by Let’s Save Michigan, attracted 46 participants from around the state who want to transform their communities through “placemaking” projects—investments in public spaces for community use. The winning participants will receive funding of up to $2,000 to build the projects they designed.

The contest, open to all Michigan residents, organizations, and municipal agencies, asked participants to create a design for revitalizing a currently underutilized public space and turning it into a welcoming, vibrant public place.

“We are thrilled with the quality, diversity, and creativity of the entries,” said Sarah Szurpicki, project coordinator of Let’s Save Michigan. “I think we’re proving a point that Michiganders in cities of all sizes are desperate for this type of place-based investment in their communities. Residents in cities as different from each other as Detroit, Okemos, and Sault Ste. Marie are all eager to nurture more dynamic public spaces.”

Currently, the public is invited to vote for projects online at http://www.letssavemichigan.com/placemaking-contest. While the public voting has only been open for a week, over 2,000 votes have already been registered on the site. Anyone can vote once per day and for multiple entries until the voting closes on June 1, 2012. The top ten vote-getters will move on to the finalist round with a panel of national placemaking experts. The judges will select one grand prize winner (who will receive $2,000), and will award smaller prizes to several runners-up. It is expected that the projects will be built over the next several months.

The Ferndale DDA has requested funding to enhance the pedestrian walkway near the Community Arts Building.  http://letssavemichigan.com/placemaking-contest/entry/south-9-pedestrian-alley-improvement/.  The Hazel Park Public Library Friends Group also has a project in the works, which would create a cozy public space on E. 9 Mile.  http://letssavemichigan.com/placemaking-contest/entry/hazel-park-library-friends-plaza/.

To browse the 46 entries from 28 different communities, visit: http://letssavemichigan.com/placemaking-contest/. For more information on the rules, judges, and criteria, visit: http://www.letssavemichigan.com/placemaking-contest/about-the-contest.

**Let’s Save Michigan is a citizen engagement and advocacy effort that promotes smart policies to build a restored Michigan—a state with good jobs, vibrant cities, accessible transportation, and first-rate cultural centers.