Crookston Uses Power of Facebook to Fund Community Project - Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand Forks

Crookston Uses Power of Facebook to Fund Community Project

  A group of Crookston residents wants to build a splash park for kids that would cost 185-thousand dollars.  But, instead of going the usual route and hitting up City Hall for the money, supporters started the Crookston Splash Park group on facebook, and quickly gained hundreds of followers.

Shirley Seddon Iverson, Splash Park Organizer: "We think we can get to a tipping point of good synergy in the Community faster through social media than any other way."

The group is being careful to include the school district and city into their plans, because the actual project would be built on city or school property.

 Crookston Councilman, Keith Mykleseth says he's fine with private groups funding their own community projects.

Keith Mykleseth, Crookston City Council: "I think it's a great thing. I think it's good people take the initiative to go out and try to raise funds for a good cause."

  This Grand Forks splash park was funded by the city and it's been a big hit… pulling in over 10-thousands kids last summer.

  Crookston splash park supporters say with around 500 facebook supporters already… they believe they easily raise the 185-thousand dollars needed for their project with private donations.

Shirley Seddon Iverson: "We're really positive. That's only 200 people… 185 people we have to ask for $1,000. That's pretty doable."

  The power of social media, in this case facebook is now a driving force behind this town's funding of a Community project, rather than city government.

  If you're interested in learning more about that Crookston project or maybe even learning more about how to start your own community project via social media, just search facebook for "Crookston Splash Park".