INDIANAPOLIS – Chesterton will soon have new public restrooms and community space in the historic Thomas Centennial Park, thanks to a recently launched crowdfunding campaign. The campaign, sponsored by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) and offered through the crowdfunding platform developed by Patronicity is managed by the Town of Chesterton.
“Placemaking takes on a number of different forms,” said Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch. “But the fundamental purpose of placemaking is to take existing assets within the community and make them places where people want to be. Taking an old railcar and transforming it into a much needed public amenity is a very creative idea.”
If the campaign reaches its $31,000 goal by April 20th, 2018, the ‘Thomas Centennial Park Restrooms’ project will receive a matching grant of $31,000 from IHCDA’s CreatINg Places program.
Click here for project details and to donate.
The funding raised during this campaign will allow the Town of Chesterton to turn a railcar into public bathrooms in Thomas Centennial Park, as well as a 1950’s caboose into a cooling/warming station and activity car. To complete this unique project, the Town will also install a drinking fountain, landscaping, security lighting and video cameras around the railcars. Both cars will be placed adjacent to the historic train depot located within the park, adding to the locomotive-theme and historic charm of the park.
“The Town of Chesterton, along with the Parks & Recreation Board, is excited to be approved to participate in the IHCDA crowdgranting program for our very unique project. This project will provide a much needed amenity in the heart of Chesterton’s historic downtown, and will enhance the use of Thomas Centennial Park.” said Candy Tucker, Chesterton Parks and Recreation Board Member. “We hope that the community agrees and supports the Town’s efforts to make these thoughtfully designed railcars comfortable, clean, and accessible.”
Since the CreatINg Places program began last fall, projects have raised in excess of $1,235,000 in public funds and an additional $991,500 in matching IHCDA funds.
The CreatINg Places 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 they successfully raise $5,000 through Patronicity. IHCDA will provide matching grant funds up to $50,000 per project.
