MM2012_AprMay

Mason MattersMason MattersApril / May 2012

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1www.imaginemason.org

Inside This Issue:

A top � nancial rating � rm has con� rmed that Mason’s � nancial strategy is one of the best in the state.

Moody’s Investor Service in January rea� rmed the city’s bond rating of Aaa, the highest rating available for long-term bonds. � e rating is similar to a consumer credit score. � e higher the rating, the lower the risk to lenders. Less-risky loans o� en mean lower interest rates, saving the borrower money.

During the rating process, Moody’s analyzed the city’s current and future � nancial conditions, availability of dollars in reserve funds for unexpected expenditures, existing debt burden, and other factors.

“� e Aaa rating re� ects the city’s medium-sized tax base bene� ting from its location and economic role in the Cincinnati metro area; healthy � nancial operations supported by sound reserves and a diverse income tax base; and a manageable debt burden with limited future borrowing expected,” stated Moody’s reviewers in their summary.

In January, the city was fortunate to obtain a savings of up to $11.5 million over the life of some of its debt by re� nancing and partially paying down $30 million in outstanding bonds. � e Aaa credit rating and favorable market conditions worked together to save the city about $700,000 annually. Overall, the city’s aggressive strategy of re� nancing and paying down debt has created $19 million in savings over the life of the debt. � e savings can be a� ributed to the low interest rates obtained as a result of the Aaa rating and market conditions.

Why Use Debt?Issuing debt for a project means that the

users of the improvement are the ones paying for it. Consider the city’s Water Reclamation (sewer treatment) Plant. If the city could not borrow money for construction, it would have to reserve money from utility fees, which might take years and probably cause the capacity of the old plant to be exceeded.

treatment plant. � erefore, only those who use the service pay for it.

• Almost a � � h is paid by lease payments from tenants at Mason Community Center, real estate payments, and Tax Increment Financing (TIFs).

• � e three percent used for some of the city’s road improvements is paid though street funds from fuel taxes, license plate fees, and a joint partnership with Liberty Township.

• � e remainder, just under half, is paid by the city’s General Fund. � e General Fund includes income tax revenue, property taxes, charges for services and permits, interest earned, and a few other sources. In 1989, for every income tax dollar paid by residents, another $1.44 was paid by businesses and employees of businesses in Mason. In 2011 and due to successfully recruiting a variety of businesses to the city, businesses now contribute $4.26 for every dollar paid by residents.

What Was the Current Debt Used For?

Over the years, debt has been issued for a number of important projects in Mason. Projects range from the $31 million Water Reclamation Plant (the largest) to the widening of U.S. 42 (the smallest, at only $1 million because the remaining $6.5 million cost of the project was paid by grants.) Other projects include storm water improvements; Mason Municipal Center; property acquisition; downtown improvements; improvements to Mason Road, Mason-Montgomery, Snider, and other major roadways; economic development projects; and the expansion of the community center.

Mason, Ohio: rated

24th

BEST PLACE

TO LIVE

by Money magazine 2011

Mason MattersMason MattersMason MattersMason MattersMason MattersMason MattersMason MattersMason MattersMason MattersMason MattersMason MattersMason MattersMason MattersMason MattersMason MattersMason MattersMason MattersMason MattersMason MattersMason MattersMason MattersMason MattersMason MattersMason MattersMason MattersMason MattersMason MattersMason MattersMason MattersMason Matters

BEST PLACE

TO LIVE

by Money magazine 2011

Mason, Ohio: rated

2 Tax Filing Information3 New Assistant Police Chief4 Fire Department News5 Business News5 Solicitor Information6 Community Garden6 Common Ground Playground

Credit Rating Helps City Successfully Manage DebtAn alternative would be to raise sewer fees for several years even though no bene� t would be received. By issuing debt, the project can be completed when it’s needed and the payments will come from future fees paid by those who are bene� ting from the use of the new plant.

Debt can also be used to manage a city’s growth curve. During rapid growth, long-term investments keep growth balanced and economically viable. Improvements � nanced by debt ensure that the business-friendly environment so necessary to � nancially sustain the community can be maintained.

Revenue Bonds: $37.8

Leases: $28.2

GeneralObligations:

$31.1

Outstanding Debt by TypeDecember 31, 2011

(millions)

This chart shows the city’s outstanding debt by type. “Revenue Bonds” have a specifi c source of revenue to apply toward payment of the debt, such as sewer or stormwater fees. “Leases” are for debt for specifi c buildings (Mason Municipal Center and Mason Community Center.) “General Obligation” debt is subject to legal limits. Mason’s General Obligation debt has been used for road projects, property purchases, and recreational facilities outside the community center.

How is the Debt Paid?Debt is paid back several di� erent ways,

depending on the type of debt. • A li� le less than a third of Mason’s debt

is paid back through fees charged for the use of a service. For example, your sewer payments are used to pay back the funds borrowed to build the wastewater

—see CREDIT RATING on pg. 3

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Dear Mason Resident, As I look ahead to the remainder of 2012, there are some signi� cant items the city will undertake. Several infrastructure projects are on the list. � e largest is the U.S. 42/Reading Road project to widen Reading Road to four lanes between Tylersville and Western Row Roads and two lanes to Butler-Warren Road. � is project is ahead of schedule, due in part to favorable weather during the winter. Construction was originally scheduled to be complete by the end of the year and may end up a couple of months ahead of schedule. � e city was fortunate to be able to secure grants to pay for most of this project. � e Ohio Department of Transportation will continue the project south of Butler-Warren Road outside the city limits. � anks to all the residents, businesses, and visitors in Mason for your patience during construction. � e annual street maintenance program will help extend the life of the pavement in several neighborhoods. Included in the program is the possible paving of a temporary parking lot where the old � re station was and an access road for the future Common Ground playground (see page 6). We’ll also be designing a roundabout for the Bethany Road/Mason-Montgomery Road intersection and creating master plans for both sewer and stormwater. � e master plans analyze the current needs and facilities and make projections for the future based on expected growth pa� erns, existing systems, maintenance schedules, federal and state regulations, etc. � e result is a plan to guide the city in managing the two systems for the coming years. One of Council’s top priorities for 2012 is funding for the Fire Department. You may recall that when Council resolved to avoid placing a � re levy on the ballot in 2011 without reducing services, they acknowledged that the balance in the Fire Fund is being eroded in order to maintain service levels. � is year, Council continues to evaluate the best solution for funding for the emergency services provided by the � re department, including a possible � re levy. Meanwhile, Fire Chief John Moore and his sta� continue their e� orts to contain costs. Joining the Northeast Fire Collaborative (NEFC) has allowed the department to achieve signi� cant savings. I invite you to read Chief Moore’s article on page 4 to learn more about the NEFC and how it has bene� ted all � ve departments.

We appreciate your calls, visits and e-mails to the Mason Municipal Center to discuss what is going on in the city. I encourage you to call 513.229.8500 or stop in any time during business hours if you need information or assistance.

From the City Manager

Eric Hansen, City Manager

Main Number 513.229.8500

City Hotlines513.229.8502

Administration513.229.8510

Community Center513.229.8555

Emergency9.1.1

Engineering & Building513.229.8520

Finance513.229.8530

Fire DepartmentAdministration513.229.8540

City Of Mason - Contact Information6000 Mason-Montgomery Road • Mason, Ohio 45040

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday513.229.8500 • www.imaginemason.org

Parks & Recreation513.229.8555

Police DepartmentAdministration513.229.8560

Public Utilities513.229.8570

Public Works513.229.8580

Tax Office513.229.8535

Utility CustomerService

513.229.8533

Utility Billing QuestionsGreater Cincinnati

Water Works513.591.7700

Utility Service Questions:

Sewer Serviceand Emergencies

513.229.8570(nights, holidays & weekends,

emergencies only)513.925.2525

Stormwater513.229.8570

Waste Collection and Recycling513.229.8533

Water Serviceand EmergenciesGreater Cincinnati

Water Works513.591.7700

Mason Matters is published by the City of Mason. For information about this publication, or if you are a Mason resident and do not receive this newsletter, either through OurTown magazine or mailed separately with the CenterPoint

program guide, please contact the City of Mason at 513.229.8510.

City Tax Returns DueApril 17

Tax O� ce Extended HoursSaturday, April 14 8 a.m. - noonMonday, April 16 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Ways to File• Use the Online Tax Tool:

www.imaginemason.org/residents/tax-information

• Print off a paper form and instructions: www.imaginemason.org/residents/tax-information/tax-forms-individuals

• Pick up a paper form:• Mason Municipal Center• Mason Community Center• Mason Public Library

Get Help with Your ReturnVisit the Customer Service Center at Mason Municipal Center:

Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Or during extended hours listed above

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SSO Report Lindenschmidt PromotedUnder the city’s NPDES permit

for the Water Reclamation Plant, there is a requirement for preparation of an annual report on Sanitary Sewer Over� ows (SSOs). � e report for each year must be prepared by March 31 of the following year. � e 2011 report is available for inspection by the general public at the City of Mason’s Water Reclamation Plant, 3200 Mason-Morrow-Millgrove Road. � e plant is open from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each weekday, except for holidays. � e telephone number at the plant is 513.229.8570.

It is important to note that Mason has not issued debt for ongoing operating costs. As operating costs have risen, the city has responded by adjusting budgets and projects, forming partnerships to optimize costs, and containing expenses through interdepartmental collaboration, combining projects, and conserving resources.

For a complete list of projects with outstanding debt remaining, please visit www.imaginemason.org/city-government/� nancial-accountability.

What are the Limits on the Amount of Debt?

As noted in the pie chart on page 1, there are di� erent types of debt a city can issue. � e $31.1 million General Obligation (GO) debt is subject to limits set by the state. Mason’s amount is much lower than allowed by law.

� e Ohio Revised Code limits total city GO debt to no more than 10.5% of net assessed property value. (Net assessed property value is determined by the Warren County Auditor and is 35% of the value of all properties in the city.)

� e chart at right shows the amount of General Obligation debt that the city carried in the last 11 years compared to the total debt limit legally allowed. You can see that Mason’s debt is signi� cantly below the limits allowed by law. City Council’s conservative budgeting and careful consideration of the e� ects of long-term debt have created only a moderate debt burden. � ese factors, along with an aggressive approach to reducing debt and maintaining a balance of short-term and long-term debt, were factors cited in Moody’s evaluation of the city’s top credit rating.

What’s Ahead?Many factors are considered before City

Council makes the decision to issue debt.

� ese include the market environment, Council’s priorities and objectives, fund balances, reserve amounts, current and future commitments, and legal constraints.

The primary consideration is the current and future capital improvements needed in the city. Each year during the budget process, Council’s Finance Committee evaluates the long-term capital needs of the city along with sources of funding for those capital improvements. Many projects are funded using grants and existing fund balances. Other projects may require debt financing.

Council expects to continue aggressive debt reductions. � e city will reduce its total outstanding debt in 2012 by $10.6 million, or about 11%.

“We expect the city’s � nancial operations will remain stable in the near-term while continuing to bene� t from the diverse and growing employment base within the city over the long-term,” stated the Moody’s report.

Credit Rating from pg. 1

Careful planning in the coming years, maintaining adequate fund reserves, conservative budgeting, continuing cost containment e� orts, and aggressive economic development e� orts all contribute to Mason’s sound � nancial rating and keep it an a� ractive city for both businesses and families.

Resources� e city produces several � nancial reports

each year. � e 2012 Annual Budget and the 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report will be posted to www.imaginemason.org/city-government/� nancial-accountability as soon as they are completed. Reports from the last two years are available on the site now.

� e Popular Annual Financial report is a summary of the comprehensive report and is also available on the web site. You’ll also � nd the report from Moody’s Investors Service discussing the city’s Aaa rating and other � nancial information.

Issued Debt vs. Legal Debt Limits

$-

$20,000,000

20012002

20032004

20052006

20072008

20092010

20112012

(projected)

$40,000,000

$60,000,000

$80,000,000

$100,000,000

$120,000,000

$140,000,000

Total Legal Debt Limit Issued Debt

Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). He also served for 19 years on the Warren County Tactical Response Unit.

In his new role, Captain Lindenschmidt will continue to supervise the D.A.R.E. unit, School Resource O� cer component, court and clerical operations, and the accreditation (CALEA) program. In addition, he will play an expanded role in training and budget preparation.

Police Lieutenant Paul Lindenschmidt has been promoted to Captain, serving as

Assistant Police Chief.Captain Lindenschmidt holds a B.A.

in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati. He is a graduate of the Northwestern School of Police Sta� and Command, the Police Executive Leadership College, the Certi� ed Law Enforcement Executive program, and the FBI National Academy. He served as a patrol o� cer and supervisor for 17 years and has most recently been a lieutenant in charge of sta� services. He was instrumental in obtaining the city’s � rst accreditation and subsequent reaccreditations through the Commission on Accreditation for

Lindenschmidt Promoted

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Finding a Be� er Way” is one of four philosophical principles used every day in

the Mason Fire Department. In a world that is changing at an increasing

rate, small changes here and there can go without much notice on how they a� ect the big picture. � e philosophy of “ Finding a Be� er Way” is to remind us to take time, reexamine our services and how we deliver them, and ask ourselves, “Can we do be� er? Can we � nd a be� er way?”

� is idea is not just for me as the Chief, but for the entire department. On a new employee’s � rst day in the � re department, I talk with the employee and explain our expectations and our philosophies for delivering the best service possible to our community. “Finding a Be� er Way” is the last principle I cover. It is to impress upon each individual that though they are new to our department, we expect that everyone on the department can e� ect a change, can ask a question, can � nd a be� er way.

One of the things we have done in “Finding a Be� er Way” is to partner with surrounding departments for training, common emergency scene practices, and joint purchasing with the goal of improving our responses and coordination in working together, and to save money.

� e Northeast Fire Collaborative, or NEFC, is the formal organization of Mason’s � re department and four other area departments: Loveland Symmes, Blue Ash, Sharonville, and Sycamore Township. Our e� orts in cooperation between the

departments have been honored with state and national recognition for innovation in public service.

� e � ve departments take very seriously the job that has been entrusted to us—the safety of our communities. We train at least once a month together, and only the chief of the department can “excuse” a crew from that training. On our vehicles, you will see the words, “an NEFC department.” We put it there to remind ourselves and for you to know that we are working to ful� ll the mission of the Northeast Fire Collaborative of providing the best service at the least expense.

� e NEFC has collaborated on the purchase of medic units, � re protective gear, medical supplies, training programs, membership services, uniforms, and miscellaneous tools. As a result, we have saved

over $100,000 for the community, provided equal or be� er services, received be� er training, and are in a position to provide a be� er service today than we were just two years ago.

One of our biggest projects has been the joint purchase of medic units, the vehicles used to provide emergency medical services. Coming together to develop one common unit to purchase forced us to reevaluate all of our needs and take time to hear what others are doing and why. � at process enabled us to clear the slate of any past assumptions—a process that we strive to do each time we undertake a project like this. Having other departments involved forced us to be more thorough than we might be when it’s done completely inside the department.

� e new medic unit speci� ed with input from all � ve NEFC departments is the � rst such collaboration on medic units that our vendor has ever seen. � e result is a savings of an estimated $12,000 for each of the three departments that placed 2011 orders. � e unit’s design has raised interest from departments outside the NEFC who have contacted the vendor to see if they can get the same unit. Mason’s new medic unit is expected to arrive in April and will be assigned to Station 52 on Cedar Village Drive.

Our quest is not done. Finding a be� er way is never done. We constantly strive to provide a be� er service—and more economical service for you. I invite your questions and input. Please contact me at 513.229.8540 or e-mail me at [email protected].

Mason Fire Department Finds a Better Way By Chief John Moore

Mason Fire Has New Assessment Tool

“

Mason Firefi ghter/Paramedics train on the use of the new RAD-57. Julie Stanley assesses “patient” Dan Spaeth while Matt Wagers takes his blood pressure. The department’s new RAD-57 devices assess carbon monoxide levels in the patient.

A medical monitoring device that helps recognize carbon monoxide poisoning

in patients is now being used by the City of Mason Fire Department.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless, odorless gas that is di� cult to detect and can mimic the signs and symptoms of the

� u, thus making it di� cult to diagnose. � e department’s new � D-57 is a non-invasive device that analyzes the amount of carbon monoxide in the patient’s bloodstream by using eight di� erent wavelengths of light. A simple clip is placed on the patient’s � nger to obtain this reading.

� e � D-57 will be used as part of the routine assessment of all patients because carbon monoxide can present as so many other illnesses. If medical responders discover that someone was exposed to carbon monoxide, they will not only have an indicator of treatment

options, it will prompt responders to locate the source of that carbon monoxide. � is allows � re department personnel to be proactive in preventing further exposures to dangerously high carbon monoxide levels in the home, workplace, or other environments, thereby preventing other illnesses.

� e device will also be used to assess � re� ghters who have been ba� ling structure � res or other hazardous incidents. It is very easy for � re� ghters to be subjected to elevated levels of carbon monoxide while performing their job. � is is an excellent device to have so that � re� ghters who are exposed can quickly get the treatment they need.

� e � D-57 is a tool that gives information about patients that has not previously been available to Mason responders. � e Mason Fire Department is continually working to improve the care of patients and � re� ghters and to accelerate the reception of potentially

lifesaving treatment. Having a � D-57 in each of the city’s two medic units will help identify patients who need care for carbon monoxide poisoning and get them treated more quickly.

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Seapine So� ware has announced they will invest $7 million to build a new 50,000

square-foot technology headquarters in Mason.

� e 2-story class A building will be located on 6 ½ acres at Western Row Road between Cintas Boulevard and I-71 in the Cintas Commerce Park. � e company will move approximately 100 so� ware development employees from their existing Mason location and create another 30 to 40 jobs in the next 3 to 5 years.

Seapine So� ware was founded in 1995 and is the leading provider of quality-centric application lifecycle management (ALM) solutions for product development and IT organizations. Seapine’s move—the fourth announcement of its kind in as many months—begins to solidify Mason’s reputation on the national stage as a technology industry hub for growth and economic development.

“We are very excited to be continuing our growth within the City of Mason,” said Rick Ricce� i, co-founder, president and CEO of Seapine So� ware, Inc. “Strategically, the I-71

corridor provides us both access and visibility to best serve our 8,500 clients nationally and globally.”

“Since locating in Mason in 1999, we have seen the region grow into one of the nation’s top places to live and do business,” said Kelli Ricce� i, co-founder and senior vice president. “In addition to being centrally located in the tri-state region, Mason’s excellent schools, well-run government, and ample amenities help us a� ract the high-tech talent we need to be an industry leader.”

Rick added, “� e City of Mason has helped us plan our growth strategy for the past several years. With so many options in the current economy, it was the incredible e� ort, support, and commitment by their team that really made the decision to expand here an easy one.”

“� ere is nothing more inspiring than to see a vision begin to become reality,” said Mason Mayor David Nichols. “We are on the cusp of something extraordinary in Mason as we see the focus and critical planning around creating a technology hub in Mason begin to come to fruition.”

For more information, visit www.seapine.com.

SALESMEN AT THE DOOR?The police department receives regular inquiries from

residents about door-to-door solicitors. Are they allowed? Do they have to be approved? Can they show up any time?

� e City of Mason does have laws regarding door-to-door solicitors.

� e � rst step a person must complete before showing up at your door is a background check through the police department. To get it, the supervisor of the business completes a Transient Vendors Registration Form. Each employee also completes a Personal Information Form and has their � ngerprints checked through the Bureau of Criminal Identi� cation and Investigation. Once this process is completed, each solicitor receives a copy of the registration form and the information form, both of which must be carried while soliciting. � e permit is valid for one year.

Solicitors are permi� ed to knock on doors between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. during the months of April through October. During the winter months of November through March, the hours are shortened to 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Solicitors are not allowed to enter

premises that are marked “No Solicitors” or words of similar import.Violation of the solicitors code is a minor misdemeanor,

punishable by � ne only. If the violator has pled guilty or has been found guilty for violating the code within the previous year, he or she may be charged with a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. A fourth degree misdemeanor is punishable by jail time of 30 days or less and a � ne of up to $250.

It is important to note that not every person who goes door to door is considered a solicitor. � e following groups and individuals are excluded: religious or ideology; political party, issue, or candidate even if the person accepts a donation; handbill distribution for a non-commercial event; non-pro� t groups such as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts; auctioneers; an invited solicitor; a person who is seeking donations; and individuals collecting money for goods previously ordered or sold.

If you have any concerns about a solicitor, please call for an o� cer to respond. For non-emergency calls, please call 513.925.2525. For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.

City of Mason and Seapine SoftwareAnnounce $7 Million Project

Groundbreaking Begins Expansion

Mason City Council joined Intelligrated at the groundbreaking for a $10

million expansion to their existing facility on Innovation Way in Mason. Intelligrated is a leading North American-owned automated material handling solutions provider with operations in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. � e 3-story o� ce space will increase their square footage by 45% and provide room to add 200 or more technical and engineering positions in research and development, system design, and customer service at the company’s new engineering center. Visit them on the web at www.intelligrated.com.

From left : Councilmember Rich Cox, Councilmember Char Pelfrey, Intelligrated President Jim McCarthy, Mayor David Nichols, and Intelligrated CEO Chris Cole.

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Mason Historical SocietyThe Mason Historical Society is grateful to Alverta Green for

leaving her property on Church Street to the society for a museum. � is was done in 1988 and we are thankful every day for the wonderful gi� . � is is the reason that Mason’s museum is called the Alverta Green Museum. Alverta was an antique dealer and many of the � rst items owned by the society were donated by her; she was also a charter member of the historical society.

If you haven’t toured the museum yet, you might put that on your “to do” list. Th e museum is open from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on � ursdays and Fridays and by appointment. Please call 513.398.6750 to make an appointment and to learn of volunteer opportunities available. � ere are many things that volunteers are needed for, such as guiding tours, arranging displays, cataloging information, and many other jobs that you might be interested in.

Monthly programs are held on the third Tuesday of the month and are on a variety of subjects. Please check www.masonhistoricalsociety.org to learn about upcoming topics.

Community GardenFor the third year, the City of Mason is providing the

“ground” work for a community garden. � e garden has been relocated to a more long-term site on Mason-Morrow-Millgrove Road across from Mason Sports Park. � e city is preparing the soil in the plots in time for the growing season.

Applications for the plots are now being accepted from individual gardeners and from groups interested in growing vegetables on a 10 by 15-foot area that will be set aside for their use.

Applications may be downloaded at www.imaginemason.org or picked up at Mason Community Center and Mason Municipal Center. � ey will be available through May 31. Completed applications may be dropped o� at Mason Municipal Center, placed in the Municipal Center drop box at the end of the passenger drop-o� drive, or dropped o� at Mason Community Center. Please submit your application by May 31.

Produce harvested from your garden plot may be used for your own purposes. Gardeners interested in sharing their bounty can donate some or all of the harvest to local food banks.

� ree Mason residents have volunteered to coordinate this year’s garden. For more information, please contactJack Tager at 513.678.6932 or [email protected],Ben McNary at 513.336.0007 or [email protected],or Gary Miller at 513.460.6041 or [email protected].

Common Ground is a vision of the Mason Parks Foundation, which has been

working for several years to bring an inclusive playground to Mason that incorporates

equipment for people of all abilities. � is spring, the city will begin completing an access road to the site of the future park.

For several years, the Mason Parks Foundation has been focusing on raising funds and obtaining a professional design for the playground. � e foundation worked with city sta� on � nding a suitable location for the park and se� led on the former State of Ohio property on U.S. 42/Reading Road, west of Snider Road.

In 2005, a bridge and access road to the site were constructed in

City Lays Groundwork forCommon Ground

conjunction with a regional detention facility on the property. � e detention facility has helped reduce the potential of � ooding along Muddy Creek and Davis Run.

� is spring, coinciding with the widening of U.S. 42, construction will begin on improvements to the access road. � e road extension will add curbs and storm sewers with a cul-de-sac to allow future access to the park. In addition, a water main and sewer line will be installed for the park. A bike lane will also be included to tie into the new bike path along U.S. 42 for pedestrian access. � e city was successful in obtaining a State of Ohio Capital Legislative Grant for the extension and improvements to the access road, a crucial component to the park’s development. Construction of the access road will be completed this summer.

By combining the construction and

improvements to the access road with other projects, the city has been able to reduce both expenses and the disruption to tra� c.

� e Mason Parks Foundation is a non-pro� t organization that raises private funds to enhance Mason’s parks and recreation programs. It became an o� cial 501(c)3 charity organization in March, 2007. � e foundation continues to pursue donations, grants, sponsorships, and other funding sources for the park’s development. A timetable for construction of Common Ground playground will likely be set once the necessary funding and design are in place. For more information, please visit www.masonparksfoundation.org.