Jeffrey Mosher catches up once again with Laurie Strauss Baumer, Executive Vice President, Capital Region Community Foundation, Lansing, MI, to discuss this upcoming skatepark.
To hear Laurie and Jeffrey discuss the skatepark, click play on the podcast shared below.
They last spoke about a year and a half ago pre-COVID for Rotary Park Lansing. This discussion covers;
1. Describe the rink for us. What is it made of and how big is it?
2. Where exactly is it located?
3. Is there a fee to use it? Will there be skate rentals?
4. Why did the Community Foundation pay for this?
5. What is the City of Lansing’s role with the rink?
Shared below is further information released by the Capital Region Community Foundation about this topic:
In partnership with the City of Lansing, the Community Foundation is bringing a synthetic ice skating rink to downtown Lansing. The rink will be over 3300 square feet and installation is targeted for early February.
The location of the skating rink will be on City Hall Plaza, at the corner of Capitol Avenue and Michigan Avenue, directly across the street from the Michigan Capitol Building. Colorful lighting will be added on and surrounding the rink, as well as benches, heaters and other amenities on the plaza next to the rink.
“Our community is hungry for safe things to do outdoors this winter, and this is a perfect way we can help keep families busy and our downtown vibrant for years to come,” said Laurie Baumer, executive vice president of the Community Foundation.
Linda Vail, health officer at the Ingham County Health Department, is comfortable with the rink from a safety perspective, as long as there are no crowds. The City of Lansing Parks and Recreation Department will maintain the rink and manage its use. It is hoped that skate rental and concessions will be available in the future.
“The City of Lansing is proud to partner with the Community Foundation to install a skating rink with artificial ice right outside of City Hall in downtown Lansing,” said Mayor Schor. “We are continuing to find ways to offer safe, outdoor activities for Lansing residents to enjoy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. I encourage everyone to head downtown and check out the new ice rink when it’s open.”
The rink will be a destination and an exciting addition to downtown Lansing every winter. It will also enhance Lansing’s “Silver Bells in the City” parade and festivities that draw 65,000 people continued who welcome the season every November. Because the rink is portable, it can be moved to other locations throughout the city for maximum use and accessibility to residents.
The Community Foundation is seeking financial sponsors to defray costs, who will be recognized on boards around the rink. For sponsorship information, contact Laurie Baumer at lbaumer@ourcommunity.org.
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The Community Foundation is passionate about creating vibrant, thriving communities throughout Michigan’s capital region. The Foundation serves donors to meet their unique charitable goals, supports area nonprofits with grants and coaching, and leads innovative projects that drive community growth. The Community Foundation (also known as the Capital Region Community Foundation) is a tax-exempt public charity that serves the charitable needs and enhances the quality of life for people in Ingham, Clinton and Eaton counties.
