Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero has announced a $60,000 crowdfunding campaign to pay for a new soccer field at Lansing's Ferris Park. According to lsj.com, the plans are to construct the field at Ferris Park, at the corner of Walnut and Shiawassee Streets. wlns.com says that the Beacon Field would measure 60x120 feet, with a synthetic turf surface, and would be an enclosed field. The field is designed to be low maintenance and usable nearly year-round. There would be no cost to residents to use Beacon Field.

While the crowdfunding campaign is for $60,000, the estimated total for construction is $200,000. Field supporters plan to apply to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for a Public Space Community Places grant. If approved, the grant would match the dollars of the crowdfunding. Now, organizers have to find their portion of the funds in 30 days. The city has already received a $10,000 donation from Emergent BioSolutions,  and $20,000 from Jackson National Life. MEDC will match those donations up to $10,000. In essence, the city needs to raise $40,000 from the community, and will put forth the remaining $80,000 to complete the project.

The crowdfunding campaign officially kicks off April 24 at the Patronicity site.

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