Scottville park project receives support from community foundation.

Concept drawing of the project

Scottville park project receives support from community foundation.

SCOTTVILLE — The Community Foundation for Mason County has announced that it has awarded the Scottville Downtown Development Authority $30,000 to be used towards the Scottville Optimist Park and Sculpture project. The project includes the renovations of the former Optimist building to be used a community center. 

“This is a great news and helps us continue toward our goal of raising $500,000 to update the building and make improvements to the green space,” said Joe Knowles, chairman of the DDA. “We have seen some great support from organizations like the community foundation and also Pennies from Heaven Foundation.” 

The intent of the project is to renovate the building and utilize it for community events and private rentals. The building was purchased by the DDA two years ago. Knowles said income from the facility will help fund future DDA projects to help enhance downtown Scottville. It also will include a sculpture created by local artist Harold Cronk dedicated to the Scottville Clown Band and the city’s agricultural heritage. The sculpture would be part of the Mason County Sculpture Trail.

“Our grants connect our donors and nonprofits around a common desire to build a stronger community,” said Andrea Large, Community Foundation executive director.

A total of $56,892 was awarded from Unrestricted and Field of Interest Funds through the competitive application process, overseen by the grant committee of the Community Foundation advisory board.
Other grants awarded during the recent cycle included: 

• Pere Marquette Charter Township received a grant of $10,800 to provide restoration of electrical power at the former Dow AC Park site to make available for Mason County recreation needs.
• Sandcastles Children’s Museum was awarded $5,000 to design and build 3D workshops on 3D printers.
• Spectrum Health Foundation received a grant of $5,000 to support a culinary medicine program.
• Friends of the Ludington State Park was awarded a grant of $5,000 to provide a track chair at the Ludington State Park.

Donations for any of the above projects and other community foundation accounts can be sent to Community Foundation for Mason County, PO Box 10, Ludington, MI 49431 or online.

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