Michigan Municipal League November/December 2023 Review Magazine

Reed City’s Crossroads Recreation Connection

–By Morgan Schwanky

REED CITY pop. 2,490

CRC became an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2022. The staff includes Ellen Finkbeiner as president, Vice President Stephanie Boyce, a secretary, a treasurer, a grant writer, and trustees as well. “None of us knew each other before this, but we came together and created this nonprofit, added to the projects that fit our vision, and grew to where we are currently. A true grassroots effort,” said Boyce. Splash Pad Idea Builds Community Momentum As their work progressed, they discovered that there was an opportunity to create more than a splash pad. The group attended city council meetings and were able to gather support from not just their municipality, but from the whole community as well. They are still working on making the splash pad happen. The idea has grown, and the organization plans to create a four-season community gathering space that will include a splashpad, restrooms, a small stage, a fire pit, and more. They have already completed a disc golf course that opened in August of 2022. The project garnered help from the community and city officials to help clear the path, create the fairways, and construct the basket platforms.

There are great ideas all around us, but Facebook is not where the mind immediately goes when thinking of potential sources. When one shares an idea on social media, having real action or a movement come from it is something that happens once in a blue moon. The Power of Social Media When Ellen Finkbeiner posted a question on Facebook in 2021 asking who would help her build a splash pad, she never expected what that one post could accomplish. She got a strong response, moving beyond her friend’s list and into the whole of the Reed City community. Fast forward to today, that idea has become something much bigger—and the Reed City Crossroads Recreation Connection (CRC). “I posted on Facebook about Reed City getting a splash pad and had a lot of interest. So, I mentioned having a meeting for anyone that would be interested and the core group that we have showed up. We are continuing to grow with phenomenal people in a super community,” said Finkbeiner.

“ None of us knew each other before this, but we came together and created this nonprofit, added to the projects that fit our vision, and grew to where we are currently. A true grassroots effort. ” –Stephanie Boyce, Vice President of CRC

10 |

| November/December 2023