Young leaders in New Haven are planning for the future as they lay the groundwork for a new park.
News release from the City of New Haven Indiana:
New Haven Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council Engages in Matching Campaign for Pocket Park
New Haven, Indiana (February 18, 2026) — Young leaders in New Haven are planning for the future as they lay the groundwork for a new park. The New Haven Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) is now participating in the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s (IHCDA) CreatINg Places program to raise funds for their Guardian park project.
MYAC is a non-profit, non-political teen leadership organization meant to empower teen leaders in the community, equipping them with valuable life skills. Taking on this project exemplifies MYAC’s mission as participants gain experience in philanthropy, project management, public engagement and government relations.
CreatINg Places gives the project a leg up by employing a donation and reward-based method of crowdfunding called “crowdgranting.” Through this model, citizens actively support projects and activities through web-based donations which, if the fundraising goal is reached within a set time, are matched by IHCDA. CreatINg Places aims to generate the public’s involvement in the selection of creative improvements within their own communities, provide funding to see the project through completion, and instill community pride. Through this program, the IHCDA will match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000, but members have less than 60 days to raise those funds.
To generate momentum and community support, MYAC members are crafting social campaigns, working on elevator pitches and connecting with the public to make this project a reality. Participants of MYAC gave a presentation to potential donors following Mayor Steve McMichael’s State of the City Address on Jan. 23, which also happened to be kickoff to the CreatINg Places campaign. Since the Mayor’s State of the City Address, MYAC participants continue to meet with potential donors to share about Guardian Park and ask for support. As of the writing of this release, the MYAC members are a little over halfway to their goal through realized and committed funds.
“It is so inspiring to see these young leaders at work,” said Mayor McMichael. “Their excitement, tenacity and drive are refreshing. The park and the skills these young changemakers gain will serve our community for years to come.”
For those interested in supporting MYAC and the Guardian Park initiative, you can visit patronicity.com/guardianpark.
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