Lawrence’s South Park would play host to more than 2,000 bicyclists in September 2011 under a plan being proposed at City Hall.

Lawrence tourism leaders are seeking approval to use South Park and close a portion of Massachusetts Street for much of a weekend as part of the KC MS 150 bike event.

“We’re basically asking to turn South Park into a cycling village,” said Bob Sanner, an organizer with the Lawrence Convention and Visitors Bureau.

South Park would be used as an overnight gathering location for riders who participate in the fundraiser for the Mid America Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The event would include a large beverage tent by sponsor Boulevard Brewing Co., a live music stage, and space for local restaurants to set up food tents. But Sanner said for space and safety reasons, some of the tents will need to be set up on Massachusetts Street.

The CVB is seeking to close Massachusetts Street — from North Park to South Park streets — from 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16, 2011, to about 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011.

That street closure likely will be the major issue city commissioners will have to consider when they debate the issue at their Tuesday meeting.

“We know we can route traffic around something like that,” said Jonathan Douglass, an assistant to the city manager who is reviewing the project. “It is just a question of whether that is the amount of disruption we would want to support. We do believe it could bring a lot of visitors here.”

Sanner said it also could have a long-term benefit to the city. He said leaders with the Multiple Sclerosis Society have expressed interest in using Lawrence as an overnight stop on an annual basis.

For the past 20 years, the MS fundraiser has used Sedalia, Mo., as its overnight location. Sanner said his office has worked to attract the event to Lawrence.

“I think they like the idea of being able to just walk a block or two and be in the heart of downtown Lawrence,” Sanner said.

Under the plan, participants would be allowed to camp in South Park. But Sanner said many riders choose to stay in a hotel. In Sedalia, he said the event filled about 500 hotel rooms.

The event — which is a ride, not a race — would start at Garmin International’s headquarters in Johnson County. Riders would then ride from there to South Park on Saturday. They then would ride back on Sunday.

Commissioners meet at 6:35 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, Sixth and Massachusetts streets.