At the recommendation of city staff, the Claremont City Council accepted a $150,000 check from Claremont Lincoln University (CLU) President Eileen Aranda for the construction of the new Shelton Park performance stage under a gift agreement with the city.

The announcement came Tuesday night during a city council meeting where Corey Calaycay served as Mayor Pro Tem, as Joe Lyons was absent due to a family matter.

In June 2013, the council unanimously approved construction of the Craftsman-style stage that will offer a wide range of events for the community, including performances by local musicians, art shows, as well as providing a new venue for Friday Nights Live and for children from local schools.

“We are very pleased to be part of the Claremont community and we were blessed to work with your city manager and Diana Miller to bring something together that the whole community can enjoy,” said Ms. Aranda.

The Village Marketing Group (VMG), which was given the task of raising funds for the construction cost, has raised approximately $110,000 and solicited CLU to match those funds with a gift to the city, bringing the total contributions to date for the project to approximately $260,000.

“We are absolutely thrilled,” says VMG Chairperson Sonia Stump of the contribution. “The city has been really supportive and Diana Miller has done the lion’s share of the work…she’s an awesome and tenacious person. We’re just all so excited!”

A groundbreaking party for the Shelton Park performance stage is scheduled for Sunday, November 23 from 2 to 5 p.m. Tickets are now available online at www.sheltonparkstage.com.