CORTLAND — With the city often holding concerts, festivals and other events during the year, officials have been working on plans for an outdoor community education and civic center off West Main Street.

The renderings of the planned center are on the wall in council chambers at the city administration building.

The city-owned facility is intended for various uses, such as community and city-sponsored events throughout the year.

The project is a partnership between the city and the Cortland Community Foundation.

Mayor Deidre Petrosky said the Cortland Community Foundation was able to secure $350,000 from strategic community and investment funds through the state legislature for a center to be located in a former bank parking lot.

“We will be creating a gathering space for different events,” she said.

She said the center will have a pavilion, planters, greenspace and parking area and will be used for such events as the annual Cortland Lions Street Fair, which takes place each June.

Petrosky said the space also will be used for food truck nights and outdoor movies.

Petrosky said she has spoken to school officials about students coming to the area to plant flowers.

The first phase will cost $350,000, with plans for an additional phase for restrooms and a fountain.

Petrosky said she would like to see construction begin in the fall with quotes being prepared for bid.

She said she would like to see the project completed in 2026.

She said the project will be updated at upcoming council meetings and go through mid-August for final approval by council.

“The funding for this came from the Cortland Community Foundation. The city will pay the architectural fees and the foundation for the construction. Once the improvements are done, the city will accept the project,” Petrosky said.

CT Consultants is doing the architectural work for the project.

She said water and electricity can be run to the area and both sides of the parking lot.

Officials have said the project is part of the city’s downtown Main Street revitalization initiative to provide space for educational programming, community events and public gatherings.

Curt Moll, a member of the Cortland Community Foundation, said the foundation has partnered with the city on several projects, such as the splash pad, skate park, clock and safety town.

“We have worked with the city on several projects including this one. We are able to raise tax-free dollars as a charity with 501(C)3 status. We help raise the money and when the project is completed it becomes the city’s,” Moll said.

He said the Cortland Community Foundation three years ago became affiliated with the Community Foundation of Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania as a subsidiary of the larger fund, which gives an advantage when raising money for projects.

“The affiliation with that foundation has really helped us,” he said.

Moll said when he has visited other states such as MIchigan and Indiana, he has seen similar outdoor civic areas for farmers’ markets and other community events.

Moll said a grant writer has helped in securing funds for the project.