Iron Town Dog Park Launches Crowdfunding for New Off-Leash Area

LANSING, Mich. – A new initiative is underway to create a dedicated space for dogs to play and socialize safely in Jackson Mine Park. The nonprofit Iron Town Dog Park is spearheading this project, aiming to establish a 1.3-acre fenced, off-leash area through a crowdfunding campaign launched in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

The project seeks to raise $23,625 by August 19, and if successful, it will secure a matching grant from MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP) program. For those interested in contributing, more details can be found at patronicity.com/IronTownDogPark.

Paula Holtz, MEDC Managing Director for Regional Development, emphasized the importance of accessible public spaces, stating, “Creating public spaces that are free, accessible, and that meet local demand is critical to providing quality community development.”

The Iron Town Dog Park, a volunteer-led group, has partnered with the City of Negaunee to utilize 1.3 acres of underdeveloped land near the Jim Thomas Pavilion. The space will be maintained by the Iron Town Dog Park Committee and local community members.

The planned dog park will include a variety of features: a 1.3-acre chain link fence, separate areas for small and large dogs, dual gate entrances, benches, dog waste stations, garbage cans, agility equipment, and a 6ft maintenance gate.

Miles Stearn, director of the Iron Town Dog Park, expressed optimism about the matching grant, stating, “This matching PSCP grant will help build needed momentum for the Iron Town Dog Park. It will create excitement and urgency, encouraging people to give before the deadline passes.”

The Public Spaces Community Places initiative, a collaboration between MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity, supports community projects through crowdfunding and matching grants. Interested parties can apply at https://patronicity.com/puremichigan.

Dan Gilmartin, Executive Director and CEO of the Michigan Municipal League, highlighted Negaunee’s achievements, noting, “As the winner of the Michigan Municipal League’s 2025 Community Excellence Award, Negaunee has proven itself to be a leader in high-quality, resident-forward placemaking.”

Since its inception in 2014, the Public Spaces Community Places initiative has facilitated the successful completion of 447 projects, with MEDC matching funds totaling over $14.7 million as of June 15, 2026.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)