News Release

MISHAWAKA — Mishawaka residents will soon have access to more green space if this crowdfunding campaign reaches its goal of raising $15,000 by Feb. 4, 2024. If successful, the project led by The Preservation of the Res, Inc. will receive a matching grant as part of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s CreatINg Places program.

“The addition of a bridge to the Mishawaka Res will encourage recreation, promote healthy lifestyles and improve the overall quality of life in St. Joseph County,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “This project will bring immediate positive change to the area and will have a lasting impact on all residents.”

Funds from this campaign will be used to build a new pedestrian bridge spanning the beautiful Eller Creek in the Mishawaka Res, a 23-acre nature center and park.

“The Res is a special place in Mishawaka and this long overdue project will help secure our next 100 years of operation,” said Jake Crawford, Board President of The Preservation of the Res, Inc. “The building of a new bridge will allow the Res to continue to grow and offer excellent programing and recreational opportunities. The bridge isn’t just about securing access to our trails and amenities, it’s symbolic of our interest in creating partnerships within our own community to enhance the scale and scope of what our nature preserve can be.”

Since the CreatINg Places program began in 2016, projects have raised more than $9.6 million in public funds and an additional $7.8 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.