Input wanted on bandstand

The Red Oak Park and Tree Board is expected to take action on a proposal for a new bandstand at Fountain Square Park at its regular meeting at 5 p.m. on Feb. 14.

Chairman Bill Drey said the new bandstand is part of the Red Oak Square Master Plan Project, and plans for the bandstand project started in August, 2017. Drey said the plans have been updated since then.

“Another schematic design was done in August, 2018, and the Red Oak Park and Tree Board approved the project last August. The design for the project was changed, and the board approved the solicitation of bids for the project,” Drey said.

Currently, the estimated cost of the project is $141,000, consisting of $120,000 for the project itself, and $21,000 for architect fees. Drey said LOST money is being used to help pay for the stage with grants. However, another plan was recently reviewed by the Red Oak Park and Tree Board earlier this year.

“We had some outside people decide the plans needed to be changed further. We received another plan for the bandstand at our January meeting this year, and it was given tentative approval,” commented Drey.

The current state is 28.5 ft. by 20 ft. The current proposal calls for a stage that is 30 ft. by 50 ft., and 20 feet high. Drey said he is looking for the public to weigh in on the proposal ahead of the February meeting.

“If the new stage is built, the architect recommends we take out two big shade trees on the northwest part of the square. We’d like public input, especially regarding the removal of the trees,” said Drey.

To offer public comment, contact city hall at 623-6510