Leadership group pitches $330,000 downtown micro-park and veterans tribute

A leadership group of local residents and students presented a proposed micro-park and outdoor stage for downtown Fayette, outlining a three-phase plan and a rough total cost estimate of about $330,000.

Nicole Shadow, speaking for the group, introduced a plan with Phase 1 (turf, stage and relocated flagpoles), Phase 2 (a veterans mural and memorial) and Phase 3 (children's amenities and picnic space). The presenters said the design accommodates rental use for events to generate revenue and suggested a public one-day design charrette with landscape architects to refine plans and gather community input.

The group described potential funding sources including state arts grants, opportunity-zone private investment and other community foundations. Presenters noted assistance from a local collaborator, Luke Porter, who helped estimate costs. "It will cost around $330,000 to accomplish this full project," the group said in its presentation, and they asked the city to consider a design day and to help pursue grants and opportunity-zone incentives to attract private investment.

Mayor and council members praised the concept and suggested next steps: secure a detailed quote for a public design workshop, host community input sessions, and incorporate the final design into upcoming budget and grant applications. The mayor said staff would seek a quote from the city's comprehensive-plan consultants to run a public design day and report back at the next meeting.

What happens next: staff will obtain a scope-and-fee quote for a design workshop and post a public meeting to collect resident input; grant applications and city funding requests will follow once the design and budget are refined.