The Capital Region Community Foundation is currently leading and developing 13 potential projects to enhance the downtown Lansing riverfront in what will be the new Rotary Park.

CityPulse reports that construction is now underway on the future riverfront space.

According to the community foundation the new $2.5 million park will include an outdoor fireplace, a beach, new kayak and boat docks, shaded seating and an event space under the Shiawassee Street bridge.

CityPulse shares that in addition to funding from the Rotary Club of Lansing, the community foundation matched $1 million in funding from 11 donors including CMF member Delta Dental.

Dennis Fliehman, president and CEO of the Capital Region Community Foundation recently shared the importance of placemaking work and updates from the community foundation in an interview with Comcast Newsmakers.

“A couple of years ago our board decided that placemaking was a niche that the community foundation could fill that wasn’t being filled by government or business or by specific charities,” Fliehman said. “Placemaking is all about improving public spaces to make them more vibrant, enticing and attractive so we can attract and retain talent in our community.”

Rotary Park is expected to be complete later this year.