Vibrant Spaces Grants offer opportunity for communities to transform underused spaces

Wisconsin communities are getting brighter, more vibrant, and more connected, thanks to a grant program that’s transforming underused spaces into community gathering places. While Merrill hasn’t yet tapped into this opportunity, the door remains open for our city and area communities to join the dozens of communities across the state that are creating new downtown plazas, bandshells, and trailheads.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) recently announced that 27 Wisconsin communities will share more than $1.1 million in Vibrant Spaces Grants. These grants are specifically designed to help create attractive new public spaces that bring residents together and boost downtown vitality.
“People want to live and work in thriving communities and offerings like parks, trailheads, and town squares create places for people to gather and hold events as well as boost nearby businesses and improve quality of life,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC in the recent announcement.
The grants allow communities to apply for up to $50,000 to transform vacant or underused spaces into multipurpose community gathering places. When WEDC launched the program in 2023, it was designed to “provide matching funds to communities looking to implement placemaking projects” that would “enhance the community as an attractive place to live, increase foot traffic to nearby businesses, and promote community gatherings.” The program proved immensely popular, with nearly 90 applications submitted.
While Merrill isn’t among this year’s recipients, many nearby communities are benefiting. Rib Lake, about an hour east of us, received $50,000 to construct a bandshell and outdoor performance stage that will offer regular programming along with walking paths, benches, lighting, and a park entrance sign.

In Wausau, previous WEDC grants have helped strengthen the downtown River District, which achieved Gold Tier Main Street status in 2024 “based on the organization’s strong leadership, effective organization, and community engagement.” The Hmong American Center in Wausau also previously received a $50,000 grant for its Npau Suav (Dream) program to support new business ventures.
So what would it take for Merrill to secure one of these transformative grants in the future?
Based on previous application cycles, communities interested in applying for the next round of Vibrant Spaces Grants should check the WEDC website at wedc.org/programs/vibrant-spaces-grant later this year for updated information. The program typically requires municipalities to be the applicants, with only one application per municipality allowed.
A review of the recently awarded projects shows they demonstrate strong community partnerships and support. The grants have funded a wide variety of spaces including underutilized parks (35%), vacant lots (27%), parking lots or underutilized plazas (24%), and alleys (14%).
Most projects include elements like additional seating and tables, landscaping, increased accessibility, and expanded electrical infrastructure. Some feature more creative installations like fire pits, market villages with vendor booths, and public art.
For Merrill to take advantage of this opportunity in the future, community organizations, businesses, and city leaders would need to collaborate on identifying potential sites and securing matching funds. As recently as last week, WEDC Secretary Missy Hughes highlighted the impact of these grants during a visit to Ripon, where the city’s Village Green Park can now host larger events after using Vibrant Spaces Grant funds for “new lighting, seating, landscaping, and electrical upgrades.”
The program generally requires a 1:1 funding match, with grant dollars provided on a reimbursement basis. Projects should create visible and pedestrian-oriented public spaces that attract and accommodate groups and activities while benefiting nearby businesses and the community.
Many Wisconsin communities have found these grants to be valuable tools for downtown revitalization, creating spaces that serve residents while attracting visitors to their downtown areas.