DOWAGIAC — A local group is looking to make a lasting impact on its community in the form of a pavilion in Russom Park, a hub for youth sports.

The project to bring the new pavilion to Dowagiac has already exceeded a small milestone goal by 25 percent, but the work is not done. The Young Professionals of Greater Dowagiac, which organized the plans for the pavilion, first announced the project in late August after brainstorming ways to leave a permanent mark on the community. By combining different members’ expertise of engineering, marketing and photography, the fundraising began this past summer, as the group also hosted community events.

“We’ve always been really hopeful that we would get to surpass what we wanted,” said co-chair of the Young Professionals of Greater Dowagiac, Stefany Holland. “We were hoping to get 25 percent of the overall [cost], and we are way beyond that.”

The group predicted the actual pavilion, which is 20 by 40 feet with a metal roof, would cost about $20,000. The pavilion will be placed near a sidewalk in between the concessions area and playground. The group estimated an additional $20,000 would be needed for construction costs.

“As the years go, construction costs will go up,” Holland said. “We are still hoping that we can still fit it in that $40,000. We may have to a raise a little bit more to cover that cost hike, but it is what it is.”

As the group went beyond its fundraising efforts, at its past monthly meeting hosted at Lindy’s Restaurant, members were excited about the progress they had made.

“We haven’t been publicly pushing very hard,” Holland said. “This is something that everyone wants, and they are very generous about getting it going. I’m not shocked because Dowagiac is a great community.”

Behind the scenes, Holland has been meeting with the Russom Park Board, which is comprised of Silver Creek Township representatives and city of Dowagiac representatives. With the recent approval of Silver Creek Township’s parks and recreation plan approved, Holland said the Russom Park Board is interested in including the pavilion project.

Currently, Holland is working with Silver Creek Township, Russom Park Board and the city to write a grant for Michigan Department of Natural Resource’s passport grant. The purpose of the passport grant is to fund local units for the development of public recreation facilities, according to the DNR’s website. In 2019, the DNR awarded $1,993,500 to be shared among 18 communities across the state for local improvement projects and renovations at parks, sports facilities, trails, walkways and other recreational spaces.

Holland’s hope is for the passport grant is to help fund a large chunk of the project. She said both the township and city have been supportive of the group’s venture, which will technically be built on Silver Creek Township property.

Through seeking donations, members of the group have been inspired to do giving of their own.

Holland, along with other members of the group, recently joined 100 Women Who Care and helped donate to the causes it supports.

The group has also received donations from local businesses, the Pokagon Band, Midwest Energy and Communications and from nearby residents who live near Russom Park.

“It’s just eye opening and heartwarming,” Holland said of the community’s support. “The stuff that we have gotten with the work that we’ve put into it has been great.”