This is the design for the band shell planned for what organizers are calling Flanders Performance Park in Tupper Lake, which is currently in the fundraising phase. (Image provided)

TUPPER LAKE — The village is calling on the community and visitors to help raise an additional $85,000 for materials for the band shell for Flanders Performance Park to create a lively and exciting venue for residents, Community Development Director Melissa McManus confirmed.

The village has received grant funding from the Department of State Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, allocating $150,000 towards the band shell project, she said.

In addition, the Lions Club has contributed $12,500, with members also committing to donating contractor services, Village Clerk Mary Casagrain said.

“Our vision is that the band shell at Flanders Performance Park will be a venue that hosts a robust schedule of concerts, theatrical performances, entertainment acts, educational workshops, events and more,” said Dan McClelland, president of the Lions Club, in a press release. “This site offers one of the most beautiful vistas in the entire Adirondacks, and the sunsets are magnificent.”

The Lions Club also teamed up with the VFW and hosted a picnic in August, which raised $4,000, Casagrain said.

Supporters have launched a crowdfunding campaign through Woodmen of the World’s nonprofit fund-raising website, Red Basket, according to the press release. Donations are tax-deductible.

Residents interested in donating can go to Red Basket at https://redbasket.org/1118. There are 43 days left to donate and as of Nov. 10, the account has raised $905, according to the website.

Residents who want to donate by mail can make checks out to ARISE/ Lions band shell and send them to McClelland at 136 Park Street.

“Everyone I’ve heard from is really supportive of the project,” McManus said. “It gives local performers a place to perform, we’re able to put on events that can increase tourism and we can showcase the Tupper Lake brand. It will really be a showpiece in one of the most beautiful areas.”

The village is planning to build the band shell on the shore of Raquette Pond, according to a press release. Construction will also include a stone plaza in front of the band shell and a rain garden behind it that will help with drainage, according to the release. The structure will be built out of timber to reflect the local lumberjack and logging heritage.

Organizers also plan to extend the existing waterfront walkway connecting it to Cliff Avenue and to install gateway structures at the Mill Street and Cliff Avenue entrances if enough money is raised, according to the release.

The village anticipates beginning the building process in April or May and hopes to have the venue up and running by Fourth of July weekend, McManus said.

The village has been working with architect Andrew Chary, of Tupper Lake, and New York City-based design firm Terrain to design and work on the complex, Casagrain said.

Flanders Performance Park is the second major improvement the village has undertaken with the Department of State Local Waterfront Program after constructing the Little Loggers Playground in 2014.

To donate, visit www.tupperlake.com/bandshell.