MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The farmers’ market in Meridian Township is getting an upgrade.

In December 2018, the Meridian Township Parks and Recreation Department set a goal to raise $50,000 by February 8 to qualify for a matching grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Public Spaces Community Places Program. Not only did it achieve this goal, it surpassed it by raising an additional $17,145, coming to a grand total of $67,145.

“We want to thank everyone who contributed to smashing our goal of $50,000 for the Marketplace on the Green Project,” Director of the Meridian Township Parks and Recreation Department LuAnn Maisner said in a press release. “We could not have done it without the over 156 patrons who donated and helped us reach the finish line.”

Of the patrons who donated to the Patronicity Crowdfunding Campaign, the largest donations came from the Meridian Economic Development Corporation and the Haslett/Okemos Rotary Foundation with a donation of $10,000 from each group, and the Kiwanis Club of Haslett-Okemos with a donation of $25,000.

Marketplace on the Green will revamp the traditional farmers’ market by providing more event space, craft fairs, sports, live music and more.