By Lisa Carolin
Determining where all the money will come from to pay for the Pierce Park Improvement Plan dominated the discussion at the Chelsea Parks Commission’s March 5 meeting.
City Manager John Hanifan talked about building the Patronicity Campaign, a civic crowdfunding platform. A representative has been assigned to work with the Parks Commission as its campaign coach, and Hanifan will meet with her on March 15.
Members of the Commission filled out an application together during the March 5 brainstorming session, and Hanifan will also be working on a video when the weather is better. The goal is to raise $50,000 and have it matched by local donors and sponsorships. The total cost of the project is estimated to be just over $200,000.
Hanifan shared other campaigns that are in progress in the region as examples, including the Agricole campaign in Chelsea.
Construction in Pierce Park could begin as soon as mid-June with the majority of the work occurring in September.
Parks Commission members will work on a draft as well as incentives for sponsors to share at its next meeting, which will be on April 2 at 9 a.m. in City Council Chambers.
