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Mabel Cares seeks council approval to begin fundraising for Bay National Firemen's Park grandstand replacement
Summary
A local nonprofit, Mabel Cares, presented designs and a fundraising timeline for replacing the aging Bay National Firemen's Park grandstand; council gave conceptual approval to begin fundraising and asked for future updates.
Representatives of Mabel Cares presented plans on Feb. 10 for replacing the century-old grandstand at Bay National Firemen's Park and received council approval to begin fundraising for the design and construction.
Why it matters: The park hosts the city's largest annual celebration (Rock and Boom) and recurring recreational events. Council members said the existing grandstand is deteriorating and that replacement would support continued regional events, improve safety, and add ADA-accessible features.
Presentation and discussion
A Mabel Cares representative described prior projects (including a recently installed kayak pier) and said the nonprofit regained its 501(c)(3) status. The grandstand project design aims to preserve the historic look along the approach from behind while replacing decayed structural elements with long-term materials. The group presented a timetable of fundraising through 2026, construction in 2026 and completion for Rock and Boom 2027. The presenter estimated the project cost in the neighborhood of $250,000 (approximate) and suggested fundraising could also support restroom replacement and parking-area improvements.
Council questions focused on preserving historic appearance, costs related to keeping or replacing the current roof, stadium seating longevity, ADA compliance for a new structure and whether regional tournaments (e.g., American Legion) could again be hosted when facilities are improved. The planner and project team said aspects such as concrete around concessions, dugout relocation and new permanent seating were part of the long-term design.
Action taken
Council voted to allow Mabel Cares to begin fundraising; the motion passed by voice vote. Council gave no direct city funding commitment at this time and requested periodic updates as fundraising progresses.
Ending
Council granted conceptual approval to begin fundraising; staff and the nonprofit will return to council with progress reports and specific funding requests if and when they arise.
