Mason's Rayner Park stage in works

By CHRISTIE BLECK

cbleck@lsj.com

March 28, 2011

From Ingham County Community News

MASON - A performing stage is a possibility for Rayner Park, already home to a large play structure, a native woodland garden and other amenities.

Mayor Leon Clark and lifelong resident Mark Minshall are spearheading the effort to build a performing stage measuring 32 feet by 36 feet at the park, located on Ash Street by the Ingham County Fairgrounds.

Clark said the stage, in addition to being a musical venue for the community, would be a way to raise funds to offset the cost of park maintenance.

In 2010 the city entered into an agreement with Ingham County in which the city will pay $1 per year through Dec. 31, 2016 to lease the park.

After meeting the agreement's terms, the city has the rights to buy the park for $1. The county earlier had closed the park for budget reasons.

Clark estimated the county spent $43,000 annually to maintain the park.

City Administrator Marty Colburn has said no city funds will be used for the project. Clark reiterated that statement, adding no timetable has been set.

"It's all dependent if we get enough donations to build the thing because we're not going to use city funding," Clark said.

Clark said the stage will cost $15,000, and it will cost between $300 and $500 to run electrical service.

So far $5,000 has been raised, according to Clark, with grants possibly bringing that amount to $13,000.

Minshall also has been involved in planning the project.

"I had in mind a 'Li'l Abner' type of look," Minshall said.

Minshall said a rustic structure with sliding doors on the front would fit in well in the park setting.

The building also could be used for winter storage, he said.

Community donations are being accepted at City Hall, 201 W. Ash St.