Case Study: Fantasy Forest
Saint Johns, MI restored a beloved playground to be universally accessible, providing the freedom of play to all children.
The St. Johns Area Community Fund spearheaded a collaborative effort of the City of St. Johns, St. Johns Rotary, and the Kiwanis 707 Club to replace Fantasy Forest, a beloved but aging playground. The playground, originally crafted by community volunteers in 2000, had fallen into disrepair. The community had a vision to transform the wooden Fantasy Forest playground to be universally accessible, providing the freedom of play to all children and their families.
The result is an incredibly imaginative and accessible playspace that welcomes people of all abilities to join in and play. The new playground, which opened in 2025, ensures every child, regardless of ability, can experience the physical, mental, social, and emotional benefits of play.
The crowdfunding campaign launched in 2024 and secured the final funding for the $2.4 million project through community support doubled by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Public Spaces Community Places grant. As part of the Universal Design Extension, the project was eligible for an additional $25,000 in matching dollars beyond the usual $50,000 threshold.
Fantasy Forest 2.0 updated the recreational jewel of Saint Johns for kids, parents, grandparents, and caregivers in the area. It provides better health and recreation opportunities for young people, aids in attracting and retaining young families, and increases the sense of community pride.
“Fantasy Forest 2.0 isn’t just a playground, it’s a place where families like ours feel seen, included, and part of something bigger. It’s how a community stops being just where we live– and becomes where we belong.” –David Walter, local resident
Project Details
- Project: Fantasy Forest
- Project Type: Playspace
- Project Location: Saint Johns, MI
- Crowdfunding Raise: $79,405
- Crowdgranting Match: $75,000
- Patrons: 186
- Leveraged Funding: $2,250,000
- Total Project Estimate: $2,400,000
Funding from the campaign allowed Fantasy Forest 2.0 to upgrade the dilapidated wooden playground into a universally accessible play structure for youth of all abilities, allowing side by side co-play for children with varying abilities. New flooring, lighting, infrastructure, and benching further enhance the enjoyment, accessibility, and safety for all visitors to the park. The new structure recognizes the effort of the original Fantasy Forest volunteers and donors while honoring future generations.
About Public Spaces Community Places
Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP) is a crowdgranting partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). This initiative provides matching grant funds to eligible projects that improve public spaces in the state of Michigan. Projects can receive a matching grant of up to $50,000 if they reach their crowdfunding goal.
Thriving places help define a community’s economic vitality. From bike trails and pocket parks to public sculpture projects, public spaces contribute to a strong quality of life, help attract and retain talent, and strengthen local economies. Public Spaces Community Places is dedicated to building vibrant communities.
