City Halts Arts Center Patio Project; Returns Donor Funds

The Solon Center for the Arts is not moving forward with a project to improve the patio outside the center and that anyone who donated will receive a refund.

It's the latest change to an arts center beset by it since former executive director Karen Prasser resigned and the city officials announced they were investigating "irregularites" at the arts center.

Councilman Bill Mooney announced Monday that the patio project is not moving forward and that donors will receive refunds. The city council voted to return a $25,000 donation from the Corrine L Dodero Foundation for Arts.

The project had only been in the concept stage. The finance committee had signed off on an architect to create formal plans, and arts center officials were working to raise donation, both from large donors and small amounts from individual donors.

Before she resigned, former Executive Director Karen Prasser said she had received pledges worth $150,000 for the project, which was expected to cost about $225,000.

Plans for the new patio were to construct it in the location of the existing one on the side of the building.

Concepts for the new patio were only preliminary, but included an outdoor stage that could double as a deck with a patio surrounded by a brick wall with plenty of trees. The early concept called for a sail-like covering.

The arts center is currently being directed by Russell Schneider, a long-time assistant recreation director for the city.