Funding will support construction of a large pavilion
By Barb Pert Templeton
The City of Marine City recently announced that they have been awarded a grant from the Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation (RCWJF) for improvements at the Guy Community Center. The facility, that was formerly the Lions Hall is located on Ward Street near S. Parker Street in the city.
The $250,000 grant awarded will be utilized for construction of a large multi-use pavilion at the Guy Center with plans to utilize it for a wide variety of events and activities, according to a city press release.
The grant award will also allow the city to apply this funding towards an additional Revitalization and Placemaking grant recently awarded by the State of Michigan. Combined, both grants will result in a broad redevelopment at the Guy Center that can be enjoyed by all residents and visitors to the complex, City Manager Michael Reaves explained.
“The city is thankful for both recent grant awards which together will bring nearly $750,000 of new investments and improvement to the former Marine City Lions Club and adjacent park area now known as the Guy Community Center,” Reaves said. “This grant also represents the commitment to local communities like Marine City from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation that assists them in achieving their critical missions and focus.”
The grant also reinforces a collective effort between the city, St Clair County Community Foundation, Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan and the Ralp C. Wilson Jr. Foundation; all of which have supported countless efforts and projects within our community.
Marine City Manager Michael Reaves.
Blue Water Healthy Living posed some questions via email to Marine City Manager Michael Reaves about the upcoming project.
Blue Water Healthy Living: When did the city apply for this grant?
Marine City Manager Michael Reaves: We have been communicating with the RCWJF for quite a while on several grants. We made the application in late spring after much discussion with multiple members of their different committees.
BWHL: Did the city’s application seek funds specifically for the Guy Community Center pavilion or can it be used for other improvements at the facility and grounds?
Reaves: The RCWJF wanted a project that was specific in type and scope that would allow a significant part of the plan to come to fruition. In the Guy Center project plan, we selected the large pavilion as it is one of the focal points of the entire project and it will fall within the financial constraints of the grant award.
BWHL: Can you share an example of what the funding might be utilized for at the Guy Community Center beyond a large pavilion?
Reaves: This specific RCWJF grant is specific only to the pavilion – it will not be used anywhere else.
BWHL: What grant did the city receive previously from the State of Michigan and what was that dollar amount?
Reaves: We have also received a State of MI -MEDC RAP grant for just under $1ml (One Million) dollars, and several other smaller grants thru various organizations. We are attempting to complete the entire project through grants
BWHL: Is use of the combined grant dollars limited to projects at the Guy Community Center and the grounds there or can if bring improvements elsewhere in the city too?
Reaves: These grants are limited to the Guy Community Center project only
BWHL: When does the city anticipate starting construction for the large pavilion at the center?
Reaves: We will start the planning, construction drawings, pavilion bids or pre-built packages immediately. With locating a pavilion of significant size – we will need earth excavation, cement work including pilings, underground work such as water, electric, etc. done before. I’m hopeful we could have the pavilion portion of the project completed by next summer.
BWHL: Can you describe what the new outdoor pavilion will include – it’s size – seating – a stage?
Reaves: The size will be approximately 30 X 70. It will have capacity to hold multiple picnic tables, additional tables, chairs, etc. We plan for a cooking counter with electrical access. Full lighting capabilities, with water adjacent. In the future, we will add multiple door access to allow four seasonal uses.
BWHL: Will the large pavilion be something that can be rented out for the public’s use?
Reaves: Yes. Other uses will depend on use agreements, etc.
For more information on the Guy Community Center visit the city’s website at marinecity.gov
