$50,000 goal to receive a matching grant through IHCDA’s CreatINg Places initiative

MARION, Ind. (May 22, 2024) – Grant County residents will have a place dedicated to their health and fitness if this crowdfunding campaign reaches its goal of raising $50,000 by July 6, 2024. If successful, the project led by the City of Marion will receive a matching grant as part of IHCDA’s CreatINg Places program.

"This proposal for a new fitness court at Charles Mill Park will increase access to recreation, promote healthy lifestyles and improve the overall quality of life in Marion," said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana's Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. "The project will bring immediate positive change to the community, and we are excited to see residents band together and work toward accomplishing this goal."

Funds from this campaign will be used to prepare the site, add landscaping and install a National Fitness Campaign Fitness Court™ at the park. This outdoor gym will include connected, digital platforms for public use and bodyweight circuit training.

"The City of Marion holds the promotion of health and fitness within our community as a high priority," said city grant writer Dr. Jeffrey Reyes. "Through this project, we aim to enhance access to outdoor fitness opportunities along our riverfront. The successful implementation of this initiative will simultaneously address the health of our citizens and the beautification of our city."

Since the CreatINg Places program began in 2016, projects have raised more than $10.8 million in public funds and an additional $9.1 million in matching IHCDA funds. The program is available to projects located in Indiana communities. Non-profit entities (with 501c3 or 501c4 status) and local units of government are eligible to apply. Eligible projects must have a minimum total development cost of $10,000, where the recipient will receive $5,000 in IHCDA matching funds should it successfully raise $5,000 through Patronicity. IHCDA will provide matching grant funds up to $50,000 per project.