The conceptual design for the new stage at Ryon Memorial Park would include ramps and handrails along with a permanent wind screen.
The conceptual design for the new stage at Ryon Memorial Park would include ramps and handrails along with a permanent wind screen. Credit: City of Lompoc photo

To commemorate a century of service to the community, the Lompoc Rotary Club will donate $50,000 to give the Ryon Memorial Park stage a much-needed, long-awaited makeover.

The Lompoc City Council on Tuesday heard about stage the replacement proposal including the service club’s contribution that calls for naming the new platform as the Lompoc Rotary Centennial Stage.

“This designation is intended to honor the Rotary Club’s century long commitment of ‘Service Above Self,’ and shall remain in place for the life of the stage,” said Rotarians Rob Klug, 2024-2025 president, and Ed Schuler, 2025-2026 president, in a letter. 

The aging stage is deteriorating and lacking access for people with disabilities. 

In comments during the council meeting, Klug noted few organizations can say they have served the community for 100 years.

“It was a great honor to be able to do that and we’d like to commemorate that with the stage project in the prime location of our community at Ryon Park,” Klug said.

Community Development Block Grant funds will cover most of the $525,000 cost.

The new stage will include two ramps plus two sets of stairs with hand rails. A permanent decorative wind wall along the back area of the platform will salute Rotary plus the city’s space and flower industries.

The conceptual design for the new stage at Ryon Memorial Park would include ramps and handrails along with a permanent wind screen. The Lompoc Valley Rotary Club intends to donate ,000 toward the project.
The conceptual design for the new stage at Ryon Memorial Park would include ramps and handrails along with a permanent wind screen. The Lompoc Valley Rotary Club intends to donate $50,000 toward the project. Credit: City of Lompoc photo

“This project is going to be a total replacement of the old stage,” Community Development Director Mario Guerrero said, adding the design will comply with American Disabilities Act rules. 

The council saw conceptual designs Tuesday night, but the final project will be approved by staff and Rotarians. 

Ryon Park, and its stage, play pivotal roles for key events in the Lompoc Valley and officials hope a new stage will attract additional events.

Construction is scheduled to begin after the annual Lompoc Valley Flower Festival, in late June, and Fourth of July celebrations at the park. 

Construction reportedly will take a maximum of 12 weeks, according city staff.

The one-time donation means the club won’t be responsible for any ongoing maintenance, repairs or future costs.

The council’s action Tuesday approved the conceptual design, solicits bids to complete work and accepts the new name. 

“I think it’s wonderful to have that cooperation and the donation from the Rotary so thank you so much,” Councilmember Victor Vega said. “You guys help a lot of people.”

He asked about any discussions to include a roof over the stage to shelter performers from sun and other weather elements.

Guerrero said the design was based on existing funding, adding that a roof could be added in the future if more financial help becomes available. 

“I think it’s a great project. I mean, since we were little kids it’s always been the same so it’s very exciting. Thank you to the Rotary for stepping up,” Councilmember Jeremy Ball added.

— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.