WSU, led by its Office of Economic Development (OED), is crowdfunding to transform a portion of the Woodward and Warren greenspace into an active, family-friendly public park.

Woodward and Warren is a highly visible space, ripe for improvements given its proximity to DDOT, SMART and QLINE routes, MoGo stations, and numerous cultural institutions. "The corner of Woodward and Warren is the front door to our campus." said WSU President M. Roy Wilson. "It's where Wayne State University welcomes the world. As we prepare to celebrate the University's 150th anniversary in 2018, we look forward to improving this key intersection for our campus and for the city of Detroit."

The crowdfunding campaign will be live from September 19-November 17. If WSU reaches its $25,000 goal, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation will match every dollar through its Public Spaces, Community Places program! Public Spaces, Community Places is a partnership between the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Municipal League, and Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity. 136 projects have received more than $8.9 million dollars in funding (inclusive of the MEDC match) through this program since 2014.

Funds raised will be used to add sustainable landscaping, pop-up seating, shade sails and lawn games. OED will also build a WSU Placemaking and Detroit Experience Factory (DXF) satellite kiosk, which will serve as a place where students, employees, residents and visitors can go for information on the city. This prototype park will help WSU understand how students, employees, residents and visitors use this space before deciding on a longer-term use for this space.

Go to Patronicity.com/WoodwardandWarren to learn more and donate. Every donation and share helps! You can also help by joining WSU in the Park between 10:00a and 2:00p on Fridays during the campaign (September 29-November 17). OED will be there with seating, games, noon yoga and Drifter Coffee. Come and have fun, or better yet, sign up to volunteer! Your participation will inspire others to contribute.