CHICAGO — An anonymous donor is willing to donate up to $1 million to Big Marsh Park. The catch? Everyone else needs to donate, too.
The donor will double other supporters' contributions up to $1 million, meaning fans of the park must raise $500,000 to reach the anonymous donor's cap. That money will go toward helping build the park at 110th Street and Stony Island Avenue in South Deering.
Friends of Big Marsh, a group that supports the park and is helping fund it, set up an Indiegogo, which is similar to Kickstarter, where people can donate as part of the fundraising campaign. The campaign's website lists Friends of the Park's goal as $100,000, but it will keep all of the money that is raised even if it does not hit that goal.
Donors to the Indiegogo campaign receive perks ranging from a limited-run Big Marsh T-shirt for those who contribute $50 to the donor's name being displayed on a 16-inch chainring in the park if he or she gives $10,000.
“The two for one match means that a $100 gift towards the park is worth $300, a $10,000 gift is worth $30,000,” said Steve Buchtel, Friends of Big Marsh coordinator, according to a news release. “It triples the impact donors can have on opening the park.”
The park is replacing a 278-acre industrial site. It will feature miles of bike trails on asphalt and dirt, BMX-style obstacles, facilities for bird watching and archery, restored marshland and more.
The first phase of the park, which will feature elements of a 45-acre bike park, is set to cost $8.4 million, according to the news release. Friends of Big Marsh needs to raise $2.58 million from donors and private corporations to open the park by the spring.
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