The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation in Detroit has awarded a $500,000 grant to the Community Foundation of St. Clair County to support significantly enhanced outdoor sports and recreation throughout St. Clair County.

According to the Community Foundation, $350,000 will support a complete redevelopment of the east outdoor plaza at McMorran Place Entertainment Center , which will feature the region’s first permanent outdoor ice rink.  The remaining $150,000 will be offered in increments up to $10,000 for the repurposing and redevelopment of at least fifteen existing outdoor courts and spaces into multi-purpose courts and play spaces.

“This is another exciting opportunity for growth in our region,” said Mike Cansfield, Board Chair of the Community Foundation.  “We are incredibly thankful for the continued philanthropic leadership of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation in the areas of children and youth.  This funding significantly builds on our efforts to fund outdoor amenities that attract children and families.”

Nancy Winzer, director of McMorran Place, said, “The complete redevelopment of the east outdoor plaza at McMorran will lead to a much more fully accessible play and gathering space.  Along with other funding for this project we will build a new one-level, multi-purpose recreation plaza which will allow us to accommodate more outdoor events and recreation in the heart of downtown Port Huron.”  The current budget estimates for the entire plaza redevelopment is $650,000.

According to the Community Foundation, other communities around the region will be eligible to apply for up to $10,000 for projects which address the goal of repurposing and improving existing outdoor courts and play spaces.  The Community Foundation expects this round of grants to lead to at least fifteen newly rebuilt multi-purpose courts. 

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is a grantmaking organization dedicated primarily to sustained investment in the quality of life of the people of Southeast Michigan and Western New York. The two areas reflect Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.’s devotion to his hometown of Detroit and greater Buffalo, home of his Buffalo Bills franchise. Prior to his passing in 2014, Mr. Wilson requested that a significant share of his estate be used to continue a life-long generosity of spirit by funding the Foundation that bears his name. The Foundation has a grantmaking capacity of $1.2 billion over a 20-year period, which expires January 8, 2035. This structure is consistent with Mr. Wilson’s desire for the Foundation’s impact to be immediate, substantial, measurable and overseen by those who knew him best. For more information visit rcwjrf.org.

The Community Foundation of St. Clair County is the oldest and largest foundation in Michigan’s Thumb Region.  The Foundation will celebrate its 75th anniversary in May, 2019.  The Community Foundation has more than $75 million in assets under management.