September 18, 2011
From Ingham County Community News
MASON -- A beloved park "adopted" by the city has already had a makeover.
Rayner Park will now get a stage to encourage even more use.
Rayner Park could have been shelved -- a victim of budget cuts through Ingham County, but city officials entered into a lease/purchase agreement last year, and the city now operates the park in its day-to-day operations.
Since then, the park has had several stewards in the form of community volunteers and service organizations willing to donate time and work to keep the park attractive.
A recent donation from the Mason Rotary Club will try to help boost the park's attractions with a professional stage.
Rotary Club officials recently pledged $10,001 towards construction of the stage, which is estimated to cost $20,000.
The initial plans for a 1,152 square foot facility, complete with roof, require further definition and will have to ultimately be approved by a professional architect or engineer.
Club officials asked The Mason City Council that as primary sponsors, the stage could be named after the club.
An additional $6,000 has been donated from the Mason State Bank Foundation and the Mason State Bank Centennial Fund.
Because of these donations, the city council approved a resolution at its last meeting on Sept. 6 to proceed with the construction of the stage.
Mason City Manager Martin Colburn said so far city staff and volunteers have been able to maintain Rayner Park to an even higher standard than before it was acquired.
"Much of the equipment demanded attention and maintenance," he told the council. "Improvements to date include plumbing work in the bathrooms, painting the bathroom and playground facility as well as having the playground structure refinished."
As for donations, Wolverine Engineering, Reith Asphalt Company and Quinn Asphalt Company completely rebuilt the basketball court. Volunteers continue to assist with repairs of benches and tables, he said.
In a truly cooperative effort, city staff and the Mason Optimists have been providing help with taking care of the park's trees.
As for the stage, it is intended to provide a facility to serve the arts and culture needs of the community and will include music, theater, movies, and other opportunities.
With established plans in hand, the city will be able to proceed forward with construction of the project, which will also need numerous volunteers, he said.
Rayner Park will now get a stage to encourage even more use.
Rayner Park could have been shelved -- a victim of budget cuts through Ingham County, but city officials entered into a lease/purchase agreement last year, and the city now operates the park in its day-to-day operations.
Since then, the park has had several stewards in the form of community volunteers and service organizations willing to donate time and work to keep the park attractive.
A recent donation from the Mason Rotary Club will try to help boost the park's attractions with a professional stage.
Rotary Club officials recently pledged $10,001 towards construction of the stage, which is estimated to cost $20,000.
The initial plans for a 1,152 square foot facility, complete with roof, require further definition and will have to ultimately be approved by a professional architect or engineer.
Club officials asked The Mason City Council that as primary sponsors, the stage could be named after the club.
An additional $6,000 has been donated from the Mason State Bank Foundation and the Mason State Bank Centennial Fund.
Because of these donations, the city council approved a resolution at its last meeting on Sept. 6 to proceed with the construction of the stage.
Volunteer work
Mason City Manager Martin Colburn said so far city staff and volunteers have been able to maintain Rayner Park to an even higher standard than before it was acquired.
"Much of the equipment demanded attention and maintenance," he told the council. "Improvements to date include plumbing work in the bathrooms, painting the bathroom and playground facility as well as having the playground structure refinished."
As for donations, Wolverine Engineering, Reith Asphalt Company and Quinn Asphalt Company completely rebuilt the basketball court. Volunteers continue to assist with repairs of benches and tables, he said.
In a truly cooperative effort, city staff and the Mason Optimists have been providing help with taking care of the park's trees.
As for the stage, it is intended to provide a facility to serve the arts and culture needs of the community and will include music, theater, movies, and other opportunities.
With established plans in hand, the city will be able to proceed forward with construction of the project, which will also need numerous volunteers, he said.
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