Scottville Optimist Park & Sculpture Project

Where will your project take place?

City of Scottville

Briefly Describe Your Project Idea:

Community Park including the placement of a sculpture entry onto the Mason County Sculpture Trail. Revitalization of park space and community gathering band shell. The DDA has taken lead on the project; collaborating with Smith & Eddy Insurance, Scholtens Plumbing, and other community partners.

Why does your community need this project?

This project would bring back much needed travel, tourism and community uses thus bringing thousands of people directly back to the downtown district allow locally impacted downtown businesses to once again benefit from it’s use. In addition, the placement of the “Forward March” sculpture to the park and listing on the Mason County Sculpture Trail would drive additional tourism and travel to a very inviting public space. . This space has been used in the past for the very same purpose that is projected into the future. The revitalization of this park space will allow it to once again play host to outdoor public gatherings. The return of movies in the park (3 events annually), Scottville summer concert series (4 events annually), and others that we have lost will be re-implemented. The comprehensive DDA plan to bring back these events to the community park will be the catalyst to the return of growth and prosperity to our downtown businesses and help us attract new vibrant business development by providing consistent public gatherings.

What do you hope to achieve through this project?

The existing Scottville DDA plan addresses the need for public venue space in direct contact with our local businesses. The shut down and loss of this space during and since COVID-19 has directly impacted foot traffic and tourism to the area. The Scottville DDA plan focusing on revitalization of public spaces which host event and attract people; directly fits this projects purpose. The economic impact of this project is focused on local businesses and driving opportunity to them for COVID-19 recovery and additional sustainable revenue. In addition, the project will complete a long term vision of the Scottville DDA and other partners in the community to recognize it’s rich Clown Band & Agricultural history with the placement of the sculpture on the Mason County Sculpture trail.