Community members gathered Wednesday evening at Richmond Hill Park to celebrate the completion of a new outdoor performance stage and recognize Geneseo resident Hannah McGee for earning Girl Scouting’s highest honor, the Gold Award.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the culmination of a project that began in 2025 and brought together local volunteers, businesses, foundations, and city staff to create a permanent space for performances, gatherings, and community events.
McGee, who completed the project in September 2025, envisioned a safe and sustainable stage that could be used year-round by local musicians, performers, organizations, and residents. As part of her Gold Award project, she led fellow Girl Scouts and community volunteers through the planning, fundraising, design, and implementation process.
"Hannah stepped up, took the initiative, and worked hand-in-hand with the city to make this a reality," city officials noted during the ceremony. In addition to spearheading fundraising efforts and writing grant applications, McGee designed and helped build the informational sign near the stage and coordinated the landscaping surrounding the structure.
The project was supported by significant contributions from both the Geneseo Foundation and the Francis G. and Betty J. Miller Foundation. Combined with McGee's fundraising efforts, donations and grant funding covered more than half of the project's total cost.
Several local businesses also played key roles in bringing the project to life.
Construction Group LTD built the foundation and retaining wall for the stage. Mike Bellovics was recognized for donating materials and for his continued support of community projects throughout Geneseo.
Signature Big Timbers constructed the striking Douglas Fir stage structure, creating a centerpiece designed to serve the community for years to come.
Ford & Sons donated the fresh sod installed around the project site.
The project also carries special meaning through its connection to two local scouting legacies.
The stage sits adjacent to an Eagle Scout memorial garden completed more than 15 years ago by Payton DeMay. Since then, Payton's mother, Marilyn Berglund, has devoted countless volunteer hours and personal resources to maintaining and beautifying the garden.
McGee's informational sign was designed to connect the two projects while highlighting the impact scouting has had on the Geneseo community.
During the ceremony, attendees also took time to remember Jeff DeMay, who worked alongside McGee to help construct the informational sign. DeMay passed away shortly after the project was completed.
"While he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through this sign and through the countless volunteer hours and projects he gave to the Geneseo community over the years," organizers shared.
In addition to recognizing the volunteers and donors, city officials thanked Rick Mills, Chad VanDeWoestyne, Jamie Schwieckhardt, Eric Rowold, and the staff of the Public Works and Electric Departments for helping coordinate and complete the project.
Through the process, McGee gained hands-on experience working with engineers, contractors, city officials, and community leaders. The recent Geneseo High School graduate plans to attend Bradley University this fall, where she will pursue a degree in Civil and Entertainment Engineering.
The Gold Award is the highest achievement a Girl Scout can earn. The award recognizes high school-aged Girl Scouts who identify a community need, address its root causes, and lead a sustainable project that creates lasting change.
With the ribbon officially cut, Richmond Hill Park's new stage now stands ready to host future performances, community gatherings, and events—serving as a lasting reminder of what can be accomplished when a community comes together behind a shared vision.
