Jump-starting Jackson Street Pier

SANDUSKY — The new Jackson Street Pier debuted just one year ago. But, between local officials and representatives of area institutions, they already envision making the popular Sandusky gathering spot even more desirable with fresher amenities. During a recent public meeting, city commissioners announced several new partnerships all geared toward attracting people, no matter residents or tourists, year-round to downtown's premier public waterfront space. They include: • Firelands Regional Health System supplying about $117,000 for a new LED screen to show new movies, family-friendly flicks and cult classics on many summer nights "We look forward to seeing families and community members enjoying this new space," Firelands' marketing manager Jordan Sternberg said. "This is all the more reason to visit Jackson Street Pier for a healthy walk, some fresh air and community." • The Erie County Community Foundation, with help from the Dorn Foundation, fronting about $150,000 for a new 20-by-24 foot stage, where musical concerts and live events can occur "The Erie County Community Foundation is proud to play a small part in the development of Sandusky's waterfront for every citizen and visitor in Erie County to enjoy," foundation executive director Beth Maiden said. • Civista Bank giving $150,000 for an ice skating rink, which should debut in November and remain available through the wintertime "It is our privilege to contribute to a community project that brings families, neighbors and friends together to enjoy the city's waterfront assets in all seasons," bank CEO Dennis Shaffer said. "At Civista, our mission is to improve the financial lives of our customers and to make a difference in the communities we serve. We are honored to do just that with our gift." • The Mylander Foundation contributing $314,000 for the Mylander Pavilion, where events — both public and private, such as for weddings and family reunions — can take place either in an open-air or closed, heated-space environment "The Mylander Foundation is dedicated to the mission of supporting our community through impactful grants for the long-term benefit of our community's residents," distribution committee chairman Eric Muehlhauser said. "The Mylander Foundation's grant for the Jackson Street Pier project truly fulfills our mission and is honored to be a partner with all the other community organizations that made this project possible." Support from these institutions stems from Sandusky's bicentennial committee, which initially spearheaded efforts for similar programming during the city's 200th anniversary in 2018. These donations can further the bicentennial committee's vision to enliven city spaces and offer public events enhancing one's quality of life, officials said. Taxpayer dollars didn't fund any of these aforementioned entertainment-based items or infrastructure. McKenzie Spriggs, the city commission clerk coordinating these activities, indicated people can anticipate seeing some of these new amenities as soon as July while "adhering to COVID guidelines as they are at the time." The pier's objective circles back to Sandusky's new Downtown Master Plan. Unveiled in January, the nearly 100-page document, inspired by feedback coming from 800-plus community members, outlined ambitious initiatives to make Sandusky more of a year-round destination. What's planned for Jackson Street Pier, meanwhile, helps achieve that goal, Spriggs said. "Providing things to do during the shoulder and winter months, through programming, is an economic driver for our businesses," Spriggs said. "It draws locals and tourists to the core of our city and provides memories and bonding experiences for our families and residents."