Arts & Culture Committee, May 2025
Park Programming Update - Chrissy Avery
3 dates for Arts in the Parks programs this summer
Registration open now (soft launch), with registration officially opening on Friday
Arts Park Update
We’re getting clearer on the look of a new Arts Park in Mason
From meditation paths to sculture gardens, the Arts park has incredible potential.
Reviewed 2 concepts from Yard & Co. along with some estimates for turn lanes and entrances. Initial concepts had been too “national park” and not enough “Central Park” so they made some updates. Working on a 3rd concept.
Next steps
Invest in design.
Identify priorities - connecting Birchwood Farms neighborhoods with downtown, for example, would have us build the “main spine” from Main Street to the neighborhoods.
Focus on funding the project. Can apply for some grants but it may be difficult.
For a Central Park style approach, need to prep the ground and infrastructure which is expensive and unsexy. This will be the toughest part of fundraising.
Joy suggested contacting the Parks Foundation to collaborate with them on this project.
Discussed accessing funds from Warren County grants or statewide capital budget. This is political and challenging.
Need to connect into and with the downtown Mile
Funding
Warren County Foundation - manages funds for many 501c3s. Could partner with them to create a fund for the Arts Park. Could also do this with Mason Parks Foundation.
Parks Master Plan
Reviewed plans for Heritage Oak Park. The 2023 estimate for fields, structures, lighting, and parking was $23 million. The price will be higher now. Likely half of the cost is for the prep and infrastructure. Need to set aside funding to finish designs for the project, then can get estimates.
Mayor Nelson asked about timing for Heritage Oak Park. Staff said they could start work 18 months after securing funding. Getting funding could take years. If this is the highest priority project, it could need 4 years to pull it all together (responsible debt, stable economy, etc.). However, this is a good project to use debt for.
Councilmember Haake asked about long-term temporary options for restroom facilities. Options include leasing a trailer managed by Rumpke for the season, installing our own trailer (which must be tied into water and sewer system), or moving forward with building a new one to replace the ancient ones where they’ll need to be anyway.