Improvements to the Clearwater Lions Pavilion are making a big impact on rentals.

 

Earlier this year, the Clearwater City Council approved the use of sales tax money to upgrade the pavilion to make it more desirable to people and organizations looking to rent space for meetings and events.

 

In 2016 the space was rented 22 times, compared to 10 times in 2015. Back in January when the council was setting its 2017 goals, Administrator Kevin Kress said the building needed work if the city wanted to increase rentals even more.

 

Some of the proposed improvements included replacing carpet, painting, fixing ceiling damage, removing the garage doors and filling the space with concrete block, installing several large windows to view the park, extending the open air pavilion and bathrooms for park visitors, installing outdoor lighting and sidewalks, purchasing a large TV and projector for the meeting room,  installing Wi-Fi, purchasing a furnace and air-conditioning units along with a smart thermostat, replacing exterior doors, replacing indoor lighting and purchasing new appliances.

 

Some of that work began this summer, and the former “garage area” has been transformed into a comfortable, well-lit gathering area people can use for meetings, parties and other events.

 

“We did the floors, removed the garage doors and put in two double doors, replaced an old door and put a big bank of windows on the side facing the pump house to let in natural light,” said Kress. “We also redid the lighting and painted the majority of the building.”

 

What used to be a cold, dark area feels more like a 30’ x 40’ living room.

 

“It was pretty rough before,” said Kress. “You just had the garage doors you could open up. It was really dark and you couldn’t see the park. Now it’s much cleaner, a lot brighter and more appealing.”

 

“It had four garage doors and no windows,” said Deputy Clerk Deb Petty. “It was like someone’s unfinished basement.”

 

Petty handles the pavilion rentals, and says there’s been a big difference since the improvements.

 

“It really started increasing after the playground went in,” she said.  “It was mainly used in June, July and August for summer events. But now we’re able to use it all winter long.”

 

 

New lighting, ceiling fans and insulation also helps the look and feel of the room.

 

There have also been upgrades to the bathroom and kitchen, and the meeting room has been repainted. Other improvements are still being planned, but not yet approved, like new appliances, a new heating-A/C system and an outdoor extension facing the playground.

 

The rental fee for Clearwater residents is just $50, and $75 for non-residents, plus a $100 refundable damage deposit. Petty says it gives people a better  option for a nice party/meeting space. It’s already booked in November, December and January - months where people might have avoided the space in the past because of the cold.

 

“There really isn’t a place this big to rent year-round in town,” she says. “If we’ve got to heat the building and bathrooms all winter long, why not make the building so we can utilize it in the winter time.”